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October skies are gearing up for a series of breathtaking celestial events. Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts are in for a treat with two meteor showers, bright planet sightings, and the annular solar eclipse scheduled for mid-month. Here’s the list of must-watch celestial events taking place in October 2023
The October Camelopardalid meteor shower is a spectacular event that will occur from October 5 to 6. During its peak rate of meteors around October 6, the Indian sky will be lit with a mesmerising display of shooting stars. The meteor shower's radiant point is circumpolar, which means it will be visible throughout the night, making it a perfect opportunity for stargazers to witness the magic of the universe. The best time to view the shower is just before dawn, around 10:00 IST, when the radiant point is highest in the sky.
The upcoming Draconid meteor shower is an astronomical spectacle that will be active from October 6 to October 10. Its peak rate of meteors will be around October 9, and enthusiasts can witness the shower's radiant point in the constellation Draco above the horizon. As the radiant point climbs higher in the sky, the number of visible meteors will increase, making it an ideal time for stargazers to observe this breathtaking phenomenon. From India, the shower will be visible from dusk until around 01:59, when its radiant point sets below the western horizon.
The Southern Taurid meteor shower is a celestial phenomenon that will be active from September 10 to November 20, with its peak rate of meteors around October 10. During this period, the shower's radiant point in the constellation Cetus will be visible above the horizon, and the number of visible meteors will increase as the radiant point climbs higher in the sky. The shower will not be visible from India until around 18:53 each night when its radiant point rises above the eastern horizon.
The δ-Aurigid meteor shower is a must-see event that will be active from October 10 to October 18, with its peak rate of meteors around October 11. Throughout this period, the shower's radiant point in the constellation Auriga will be visible above the horizon, and the number of visible meteors will increase as the radiant point climbs higher in the sky. Although from India, the shower will not be visible until around 20:28 each night when its radiant point rises above the eastern horizon, it's a golden opportunity for stargazers to witness this breathtaking spectacle.
The Triangulum Galaxy M33 (mag 6.3) is a sight to behold and will be visible in the evening sky in the coming weeks. On October 15, it will reach its highest point in the sky at around midnight local time, and on subsequent evenings, it will reach its culmination four minutes earlier each day. From India, the galaxy is visible in the morning sky, becoming accessible around 19:00 when it reaches an altitude of 21° above the north-eastern horizon.
The ε-Geminid meteor shower is a mesmerizing event that will be active from October 14 to October 27. Its peak rate of meteors is expected around October 18, and enthusiasts can witness the shower's radiant point in the constellation Gemini above the horizon. The number of visible meteors will increase as the radiant point climbs higher in the sky, creating a stunning display of shooting stars. From India, the shower will be visible after 22:16 each night when its radiant point rises above the eastern horizon. It will remain active until dawn breaks around 05:57, providing ample opportunity for stargazers to observe this breathtaking phenomenon.
The Orionid meteor shower will be active from October 2 to November 7, with the peak rate of meteors expected around October 22. During this period, you will have a chance to witness Orionid meteors whenever the shower's radiant point in the constellation Orion is visible above the horizon. The number of visible meteors will increase the higher the radiant point is in the sky. If you're in India, you will be able to witness this fantastic meteor shower after 22:01 each night, when its radiant point rises above the eastern horizon.
Leonis Minorid meteor shower will be active from October 19 to October 27, with the peak rate of meteors expected around October 25. This is your chance to witness an awe-inspiring sight as the Earth's rotation aligns New Delhi towards the direction of incoming meteors, maximising the number of meteors that fall vertically downwards and producing short trails close to the radiant point. Even at other times, you can still witness the beauty of meteors burning up over India, producing long-lived meteors that may traverse a wide area of the sky.
On October 29, get ready to witness the full phase of the Moon. During this time of the month, the Moon will be visible for much of the night, rising at around dusk and setting at around dawn. It's a perfect opportunity to bask in the splendour of the night sky and admire the Moon's beauty.
