As we head into October, we’re entering a period where the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights are a lot higher. This is due to the Earth’s tilt and its magnetic field aligning in a favorable way with the Sun, whose activity is currently very intense. As a result, October promises to be an exciting month for astronomy enthusiasts, so let’s take a look at what you can expect!

The first event to note has to be the Northern Lights returning (10th October) to the UK, USA, and other places south of the Aurora Zone. Is it any surprise that this is becoming a regular occurrence as we head into Solar Maximum 25?

Despite the sightings bringing excitement to those looking up at the dark sky last night, it was nothing compared to what our guests saw in the Aurora Zone! In this region, the aurora occurs not only more regularly but, brighter, with vibrant greens, purples and reds lighting up the sky! Being closer to the Earth’s magnetic poles, the interaction between solar particles and our atmosphere is much stronger, making the auroras larger and longer lasting too!

THE UK VS THE AURORA ZONE

Credits: Valtteri Inkilä – Saariselkä Northern Lights Village, Juha Nyström, Georgia Kenny (Northumberland)

October 8-9th – Draconid Meteor Shower

The Draconid meteor peaks on October 8-9. Unlike most meteor showers, the Draconids are best viewed in the evening, just after sunset. Although the Draconids are typically a modest display with 10 meteors per hour, they have been known to surprise with occasional bursts of activity. It’s not the most well known or prolific of meteor showers but if you’re outside at the time, it might be worth looking up.

Credit: Wikipedia- Navicore

October 12th – Comet of the year – Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is a newly discovered comet that will make a close approach to Earth and the Sun in late 2024. Discovered by two observatories—Tsuchinshan in China and ATLAS in Hawaii—the comet is predicted to reach peak brightness in October 2024. It is already bright enough to be visible to the naked eye, offering a stunning display for skywatchers. As the comet approaches the inner solar system, solar heating will cause its icy core to release gas and dust, creating a bright tail. It will move closer to the Sun between 6th-10th October then appear low down and bright in the west in the post sunset skies. Either side of the 12th of October is a brilliant time to observe this icy visitor.

Credit: Matt Robinson

October 17th – Full Hunter’s Moon

October 17th brings the Full Hunter’s Moon. Traditionally, this Moon signaled the time to hunt and prepare for winter. Rising just after sunset, it will cast a brilliant glow, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of stargazing.

Credit: Wikipedia

October 21st-22th – Orionid Meteor Shower

The Orionid meteor shower peaks on the night of October 21-22. This shower, caused by debris from Halley’s Comet, arguably the most well known comet of all, offers up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. With the waxing crescent moon setting early, this year provides excellent dark-sky conditions for meteor watching. The meteors will emanate from the famous constellation of Orion which is also an indicator that winter in the northern hemisphere is not too far away.

Credit: Asim Patel

What an exciting month we have ahead, our skies are set to be full of activity and as we kick off the aurora season there is no better time to travel to the Aurora Zone…

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