What's in the Sky October 2025
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Time to read 3 min
Hello Stargazers! Crisp autumn nights are here, and October 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting months of the year for skywatchers. With the possibility of two comets, a reliable meteor shower, and even a chance of a rare outburst, the night sky will be brimming with wonders. Grab your telescopes, binoculars, or simply a blanket under dark skies — here’s your guide for what to see this month in Ontario.
October 7: Full Hunter’s Moon
The Full Moon of October, also known as the Hunter’s Moon, rises at 6:54 p.m. EDT. Bright and bold, this Moon traditionally signaled the time for hunters to stock provisions for winter. Look for it rising just after sunset in the east and climbing high through the night.
October 8: Draconid Meteor Shower — Possible Outburst
The Draconids peak on the evening of October 8. Normally a minor shower, they occasionally surprise with spectacular outbursts. In 2025, predictions suggest the possibility of a short-lived burst of activity — perhaps hundreds of meteors per hour! Best viewed right after sunset from a dark location, as the radiant (in Draco) will be high in the northern sky.
October 9: Moon Meets the Pleiades
On the night of October 9, the waning gibbous Moon passes directly in front of the Pleiades star cluster. From Ontario, the occultation begins around 10:30 p.m. and lasts into the early hours of October 10. With binoculars or a small telescope, you can watch individual stars disappear behind the bright lunar limb, only to reappear on the other side.
October 21: New Moon
The New Moon on October 21 ensures a dark sky — perfect timing for the upcoming Orionid meteor shower and for comet hunting. This is the best night of the month to observe faint galaxies and nebulae without interference from moonlight.
October 22–23: Orionid Meteor Shower Peak
The Orionids, produced by debris from Halley’s Comet, peak on the nights of October 22 and 23. With no Moon to interfere this year, conditions are ideal. Expect around 20 meteors per hour under dark Ontario skies, especially after midnight. Look for fast, bright streaks radiating from the constellation Orion, which rises around 11 p.m. in the east.
October 20–23: Two Comets Light Up the Sky
C/2025 R2 (SWAN)
Discovered in September, this comet may reach magnitude 4–6 by October 20. From Ontario, it will be visible with binoculars in the western sky after sunset. There is also speculation of a meteor display around October 5 if Earth encounters its dust trail, though this is uncertain.
C/2025 A6 (Lemmon)
Even brighter, Comet Lemmon could become visible to the naked eye (magnitude 2.5–4) around its closest approach on October 21. It will shine low in the southwestern evening sky, best seen about an hour after sunset.
Together, these comets — visible around the same time as the Orionids — could make late October truly unforgettable.
Planets in October
- Jupiter rises in the east around midnight early in the month, shifting earlier (10 p.m. by month’s end). Perfect for telescopic views of its cloud bands and moons.
- Saturn is well-placed in the southeast during evening hours, setting around 3 a.m.
- Mars is faint but visible before dawn, slowly brightening as it moves through Gemini.
Deep Sky Objects to View in October
Dark October nights are also perfect for deep-sky exploration:
- M31 (Andromeda Galaxy): A sprawling galaxy visible to the naked eye under dark skies.
- M45 (Pleiades): Gorgeous open cluster — visible even without binoculars.
- M57 (Ring Nebula): A tiny smoke-ring in Lyra, best seen with a telescope.
- M27 (Dumbbell Nebula): A bright planetary nebula in Vulpecula.
- M13 (Hercules Cluster): Still visible early in the evening.
Tips for Observing
- Dress warmly. Ontario nights in October can get cold — bring layers, hats, and gloves.
- Dark sites matter. Head away from city lights for the best comet and meteor viewing.
- Plan your nights. The best window this month is October 20–23, with the New Moon, Orionid peak, and comet appearances all coinciding.
- Be patient. Allow at least 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
A Month to Remember
With a possible Draconid outburst, the Orionid peak under moonless skies, and two bright comets, October 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling months in recent skywatching memory. Whether you’re a seasoned observer or just stepping outside for a casual look, the universe has something dazzling to offer.
So mark your calendars, set your alarms, and don’t forget your thermos of hot chocolate. Clear skies, everyone! 🌌