BALTIMORE, MD—Stargazers across Maryland are in for a celestial treat this October, with the sky expected to feature a rare Supermoon, two meteor showers, and the potential visibility of three different comets, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
If weather conditions cooperate, the month will offer numerous viewing opportunities, starting with a close approach by Earth’s nearest neighbor.
Rare Harvest Supermoon
The month’s full moon on Oct. 6 will be a Harvest Moon Supermoon, the first of three consecutive Supermoons planned for the end of the year. This moon is designated as the Harvest Moon because it is the closest full moon to the autumnal equinox.
Because the moon will be near its perigee—the point in its orbit closest to Earth—it may appear up to 14% larger than a typical full moon. The event conveniently follows International “Observe the Moon” Night on Oct. 4.
The subsequent Supermoons are scheduled for Nov. 5 and Dec. 4.
Two Meteor Showers Expected
October brings two meteor showers, offering the possibility of meteors visible throughout the entire month.
The first, the Draconid meteor shower, is active between Oct. 6 and 10, peaking around Oct. 8. Viewers are advised to look toward the constellation Draco in the northern sky, though the brightness of the full moon may interfere with visibility.
Later in the month, the Orionid meteor shower is expected to peak on Oct. 21, coinciding favorably with the new moon. The Orionids are caused by Earth passing through the debris field left by Halley’s Comet. Observers should look to the southeast before midnight and until approximately 2 a.m.
Multiple Comets and Conjunctions
Three comets may become visible during the month, though their brightness remains subject to debate:
Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS): May be visible with binoculars around Oct. 8, provided it survives its trip around the sun.
Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN): Could potentially be visible to the naked eye around Oct. 20, low in the evening sky.
Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon): Expected around Oct. 21, visible low in the western sky, but its anticipated brightness is uncertain.
In addition to the main events, the moon will participate in two notable conjunctions: pairing with Saturn on Oct. 5 in the eastern sky, and meeting Venus on Oct. 19. The Moon-Venus conjunction will be visible in the dawn sky around 5:45 a.m., about an hour and a half before sunrise.
The Andromeda Galaxy, the Milky Way’s nearest major galactic neighbor, will also be well positioned in the night sky starting Oct. 2, visible above the northeast horizon, though a telescope will be required for viewing.
Photo via Maryland DNR
Featured photo via Maryland DNR
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