October Skywatching: Meteor Showers and Planet Views

October 2026 offers several skywatching opportunities. The Draconid meteor shower is expected to peak Oct. 8–9, with roughly five to 10 meteors an hour under favorable conditions and occasional outbursts possible; a nearly moonless sky should help visibility. The Orionids peak Oct. 21–22, though a bright, 76%-illuminated moon may wash out fainter meteors. The Hunter’s Moon reaches peak illumination at 12:12 a.m. EDT on Oct. 26 and will look full over several nights. Saturn reaches opposition on Oct. 4, Mercury is best viewed low in the west after sunset around Oct. 12, and the Moon and Mars appear close together before dawn on Oct. 5; dark, open locations and clear skies improve viewing.