The October 2025 sky: Supermoon, Orionids and planetary ballets

With the arrival of autumn, the nights grow longer and the night sky dons its finest attire. October 2025 promises astronomy enthusiasts a series of remarkable celestial phenomena, ranging from a brilliant supermoon to sparkling meteor showers, not forgetting fascinating planetary conjunctions.

The planets to observe in October

Saturn and Neptune

On October 6, the nearly full Moon will pass near Saturn and Neptune. Saturn, recognizable by its golden glow, will be visible in the early part of the night in the constellation Pisces (not Sagittarius). Neptune, more discreet, will require the use of a telescope to be observed. To spot these planets, point your gaze southeast after sunset.

Jupiter

On October 13, the Moon will approach Jupiter, offering a striking sight. Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, will be visible after sunset, climbing gradually higher in the sky as the night progresses. Its intense brightness makes it an easy target to spot with the naked eye.

Venus, Mars and Mercury

On October 19, the Moon will approach Venus, while Mercury and Mars will be in conjunction. These phenomena will be visible at dawn, just before sunrise. To observe them, you will need to rise early and look toward the east. Venus will shine intensely, while Mars and Mercury will appear fainter nearby.

Phenomena not to miss

Harvest Moon Supermoon

On October 7, the Harvest Moon, the full Moon, will be a supermoon, appearing about 6.6% larger and ~13% brighter than usual. This phenomenon is due to the Moon's proximity to the Earth. To enjoy it fully, observe the Moon rising in the east in the early evening.

Orionid meteor shower

The nights of October 20-21 will mark the peak of the Orionid meteor shower, with around 20 meteors per hour. This year, the New Moon on October 21 will guarantee a dark sky, ideal for observing. To maximize your chances, move away from light pollution and look toward the Orion constellation, to the east after midnight.

Constellations and seasonal objects

Andromeda and Galaxy M31

The constellation of Andromeda is well visible in October. It houses the galaxy M31, the Andromeda Galaxy, which is the closest to ours. In clear weather and far from city lights, M31 is visible to the naked eye as a fuzzy patch. Using binoculars or a telescope will reveal more details.

Pegasus and Perseus

The constellation of Pegasus, recognizable by its large square, dominates the autumn sky. Nearby, the constellation Perseus is also visible. These constellations are rich in celestial objects of interest for observers equipped with telescopes.

Practical tips for observing

• Hours and directions : The times mentioned are in Paris time. For morning observations, prefer the hours before sunrise. For evening observations, start shortly after sunset.
• Required instruments : Many phenomena are visible to the naked eye. However, using binoculars or a telescope will enrich your experience, especially for observing Neptune, the Andromeda Galaxy, and details of the planets.
• Observation conditions : Move away from urban areas to avoid light pollution. Choose clear, cloudless nights for optimal visibility.

During this October 2025 month, the night sky offers a multitude of spectacles not to be missed. Whether you are an experienced observer or a curious skywatcher, take the time to look up and marvel at the beauty of the universe.