As the months progress, the astronomical events become more spectacular. The second half of the year is characterized by seeing increasingly impressive showers of stars shine in the sky. This month will not be the exception and will not have one, but two meteor showers that will illuminate the celestial vault in the astronomical calendar for October 2021. Let yourself be carried away by the cosmic magic, prepare these dates to raise your gaze and lose yourself in the immensity of the Universe .
Astronomical calendar October 2021
October 7: Draconids Meteor Shower
Jason Weingart
The month of October begins with a small meteor shower that, although it is one of the least active, has a peculiarity that makes it unique, so it can be observed under optimal conditions. With just 10 flashes per hour, the Draconids meteor shower is an unusual event that differs from other showers of the year. The main feature of this bewitching cosmic event is that the best view is at sunset instead of at dawn, like most other showers. It occurs annually from October 6 to 10, although this year it will peak on the night of October 7.
Despite the fact that its maximum activity occurs just before nightfall, the recommendations for observing the Draconids are the same as in other meteor showers. Stay in a place away from the light pollution of big cities and try to look for skies clear of smog. If weather conditions allow it, up to 10 meteors can be seen crossing the sky per hour.
October 20: Blood Moon
Earth’s natural satellite will be completely illuminated giving way to the October full moon, a natural phenomenon that occurs once a month. Thanks to the position of the Sun and the Moon surrounding our planet, from earthly soil you can appreciate a magical cycle that we know as the lunar phases.
The illumination of the Moon waxes and wanes as the days progress and marks important terrestrial phenomena. When it reaches its greatest illumination it is called a full moon or full moon, a phase that occurs when the Earth is located exactly between the Sun and the Moon. And thanks to the fact that our planet is positioned right between the largest body in the Solar System and the Moon, the latter is 100% illuminated.
October is characterized by its beautiful moons when they are positioned just above the horizon after the Sun sets. Due to the color that the natural satellite acquires in this season of the year, the full moon of October has been called the Blood Moon. A visual spectacle that you should not miss on October 20, right at dusk.
October 21 and 22: Orionids Meteor Shower
Halley’s Comet, one of the most famous among lovers of the Universe, will make its remnants shine in October, the month in which the Earth intersects with the debris left by it. The cosmic dust that Halley left behind produces the Orionids meteor shower that runs annually from October 2 to November 7. Although between this period of time there is a day when the activity of the meteors increases and reaches its climax. This 2021, the highest point of the Orionids will be between the night of October 21 and the early morning of October 22. However, a full moon could make it difficult to see all but the brightest meteors at their brilliance.
Find out about all the events that the cosmos has in store for us this year in our 2021 astronomical calendar and don’t miss the opportunity to reconnect with the cosmos.
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