In October, stargazing gets serious. Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) may be spotted with the naked eye (though possibly only through binoculars) in the eastern sky before sunrise at the beginning of the month and in the western sky after sunset later in the month.
October begins with a “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse that will only be visible from Chile and Argentina, includes the year’s biggest “supermoon,” and ends with the Orionid meteor shower, which is the product of Halley’s comet.
Here’s everything you need to know about stargazing, moon-watching and the night sky in October 2024:
A Comet For Breakfast
When: before sunrise on Tuesday, Oct. 1-Wednesday, Oct. 2:
Where: eastern sky
The first few mornings in October will be a good time to see Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) — and its single tail — visible to the naked eye. Skywatchers in the northern hemisphere should look eastward an hour before sunrise, but it’s best to keep expectations in check — it may well be a binocular target only.
Return Of The Comet
When: after sunset on Saturday, Oct. 12-Wednesday, Oct. 16
Where: western sky
If Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is still a going concern by mid-month, expect a lot of hype. It may be visible to the naked eye, especially for those north of the equator, and there’s also a chance it could have not one but two tails. The place to look is west after sunset.
A ‘Ring Of Fire’ Solar Eclipse
When: Wednesday, Oct. 2
Where: only from Chile and Argentina
Here’s one for intrepid solar eclipse-chasers. Today’s new moon coincides with a “mini-moon” — the opposite of a “supermoon” — creating an annular solar eclipse visible from the Pacific Ocean and southern Patagonia. The path of totality includes Easter Island (also called Rapa Nui), famous for its mysterious moai stone statues.
Remarkably, it’s will experience its second central solar eclipse in just 14 years. The moon will block about 93% of the solar disk’s center for those in situ, creating a “ring of fire.” Much of South America will see a partial solar eclipse. It’s just a new moon phase for the rest of the world.
Year’s Biggest ‘Supermoon’
When: moonrise (dusk) on Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18
Where: eastern sky
There are four “supermoons” — particularly close full moons — in 2024, but this one will be the closest. Called the “Hunter’s Moon,” it will be the tenth of the 12 full moons in 2024 and be best seen as it appears above the eastern horizon during dusk on Thursday and Friday. Be in place at moonrise where you are for a fabulous view.
‘Shooting Stars’ From Halley’s Comet
When: early hours of Monday, Oct. 21
Where: all-sky
The peak of the Orionid meteor shower is set for the early hours today. Plan on seeing around 10 to 20 meteors per hour, possibly up to 40, all of which originate from a cloud of dust debris left in the inner solar system by Halley’s Comet. You’ll see the most if you dark-adapt your eyes for about 30 minutes.
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like SkySafari Pro, Stellarium and The Sky Live. Check planet-rise/planet-set, sunrise/sunset, and moonrise/moonset times to see where you are.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
