What’s Happening: October 2024 Skywatching Insights from NASA
NASA returns with its monthly roundup of astronomical wonders to explore in the coming weeks. We’ve highlighted their key insights for October, perfect for sky enthusiasts.
Key Highlights
- A Planetary Showcase!
- Europa Clipper Mission Launch
- Moon and Planet Constellations
- Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Watch
A Planetary Showcase!
October is an opportune time for stargazers to catch sight of many planets in our solar system. Here’s what you should look for and when:
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Venus: This dazzling second planet can be seen low on the horizon in the west immediately after sunset, but it sets early, so catch it before the sky fully darkens.
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Saturn: The shimmering rings of Saturn are on display in the southeastern sky soon after nightfall, setting before dawn’s light washes over the horizon.
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Mars: Rising around midnight, Mars will be prominent by dawn, sitting high in the south-southeast as it appears alongside Jupiter.
- Jupiter: The largest planet in our solar system rises early in the night. By early October, it will be well-positioned in the southern sky as dawn approaches and will gradually shift westward as the month progresses.
Europa Clipper Mission Launch
NASA is gearing up for the launch of its latest exploration mission, the Europa Clipper, scheduled for as early as October 10. This mission is aimed at studying Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, believed to harbor a vast ocean of salty liquid water beneath its icy shell. "This will be the first mission exclusively focused on investigating an ocean world beyond Earth," says NASA. The Europa Clipper aims to determine if this intriguing moon could support life and gain insights into the factors that make a world habitable.
On the mornings of October 11 and 25, clear skies will provide an opportunity to observe Europa using a telescope or binoculars. "Don’t miss your chance to glimpse Jupiter’s moon Europa this month, coinciding with NASA’s mission to explore the ocean beneath its surface," NASA advises.
Moon and Planet Pairings
Keep an eye out for fascinating pairings of the moon with various planets this month! The moon will align closely with Saturn in the southeast after dark on October 13 and 14, followed by a pairing with Jupiter in the east on October 20. Additionally, the mornings of October 23 and 24 offer a chance for early risers to view Mars alongside the moon high in the southern sky.
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS
October presents a stellar chance to witness one of the year’s brightest comets. Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, which has been captured by astronauts aboard the ISS, is racing through our inner solar system. After its closest approach to the sun last week, it will reach its peak proximity to Earth on October 13, offering prime viewing opportunities low in the western sky beginning during twilight.
With the comet rising higher in the sky each evening, it will gradually become easier to spot, although it may also dim slightly as the days pass. NASA states, "As with all comets, brightness predictions can be uncertain. If the comet’s tail glows brightly in sunlight, it could potentially be visible to the naked eye. However, comets have a knack for surprises, so we’ll have to wait and see!"
This October holds exciting prospects for those looking to connect with the cosmos. Get your charts and binoculars ready and prepare for an awe-inspiring month of skywatching!
