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October Skywatch: Harvest Supermoon Kicks Off Month of Meteors, Comets and Public Events

Viewing prospects improve after the bright full Moon, with forecasts pointing to the Orionids under a new Moon.

Overview

  • NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night is set for Oct. 4, with free public telescope sessions confirmed at planetariums in La Plata and Buenos Aires on a first‑come basis.
  • The Harvest supermoon arrives Oct. 6–7, appearing up to about 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full Moon; in Argentina the peak is reported at 00:47 on Oct. 7.
  • The Draconids are expected Oct. 6–10 with a peak around Oct. 7–8, though the bright Moon will significantly reduce meteor visibility.
  • The Orionids are forecast to peak the night of Oct. 20–21 under a new Moon, and NASA estimates roughly 20 meteors per hour at maximum.
  • Comet C/2025 K1 reaches perihelion on Oct. 8 with potential binocular visibility from dark sites, while interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is being tracked ahead of its closest solar approach around Oct. 30.