NASA October 2026 Night Sky Viewing Guide

• Saturn reaches opposition on October 4, providing optimal viewing conditions.
• The Orionid meteor shower peaks on October 21–22.
• The Moon will appear near the Pleiades star cluster on October 27–28.

Planetary and Atmospheric Observations

• Saturn reaches opposition on October 4, meaning Earth passes directly between the Sun and the planet.
• Saturn will rise near sunset and remain visible for most of the night.
• Recent observations from the Hubble Space Telescope have identified a ten-sided atmospheric wave pattern developing around Saturn's south pole, supplementing the known hexagon jet stream at the north pole.

Meteor Shower and Lunar Events

• The Orionid meteor shower, resulting from debris left by Halley's Comet, reaches its peak during the night of October 21 into the morning of October 22.
• Viewing may be hampered by a waxing gibbous Moon; the best observation window is the predawn period after the Moon sets.
• On October 6, a thin crescent Moon will be positioned near Jupiter before sunrise.
• The Moon will pass close to the Pleiades (Seven Sisters) star cluster on the night of October 27–28, which is best viewed looking east.