However, the brightness of the supermoon may wash out some of the fainter streaks. As one NASA/JPL sky chart notes, “the radiant point in Draco will be visible in the northwest sky, but patience will be required under bright moonlight.”
For those who miss the Draconids, the Orionid meteor shower peaks on October 21, offering a much darker sky thanks to the October new moon.
This shower, created by debris from Halley’s Comet, produces about 20 meteors per hour. Look to the southeast in the northern hemisphere (northeast in the southern hemisphere) after midnight for the best chance of spotting them.
A New Comet
Adding to the excitement, Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN)—formerly referred to as Comet 25B—will climb higher in the western sky throughout October. While it is currently difficult to spot due to twilight glare, astronomers expect improved visibility as the month progresses (South Wales Argus).
Celebrating the Moon
The supermoon also aligns with International Observe the Moon Night on October 4, a global event where enthusiasts gather for moon-viewing parties and community stargazing. “So look up, and celebrate the Moon along with people all around the world!” NASA encouraged.
