October 2026 night sky: Saturn at its best and two meteor showers

It is late on the last night of September, and October brings one of the better months of the year for looking up. Here are the dates worth saving, based on National Geographic's October sky guide.

First is Saturn at opposition on Sunday, October 4. That is when the planet is closest to Earth and brightest for the year. Look toward the south-southeast around 11 p.m. Saturn looks like a steady, bright point to the naked eye, and a small backyard telescope or strong binoculars can start to show its rings.

The Draconid meteor shower peaks October 8 to 9. Unlike most showers, it is best early in the evening, an hour or two after sunset, which makes it friendly for families. National Geographic expects about 10 meteors per hour under dark skies, and a thin crescent moon should leave the sky fairly dark. The new moon on October 10 is also one of the last good chances this year to see the Milky Way's bright core before it sets out of view until February.

Later, the Orionid meteor shower peaks October 21 to 22, with up to 20 fast, bright meteors an hour before dawn. The month ends with the Hunter's Moon, October's full moon, on October 26, often looking orange near the horizon.

Dark skies help more than any gear. Give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust, skip looking at your phone, and pick a spot away from streetlights. Tonight, put October 4 and October 8 in your calendar with a reminder for after dinner.