Five celestial events to watch this autumn as nights draw in

Skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere can expect a string of observable celestial events this autumn, starting with Saturn at opposition the day before the autumnal equinox and continuing through two supermoons and multiple meteor showers.

Astronomical autumn begins on 22 September at 19:20 BST, when the Sun crosses the celestial equator during the equinox and day and night are of nearly equal length. Meteorological autumn begins on 1 September every year; from the equinox onward evenings will grow noticeably darker and, on average, by the end of November the Northern Hemisphere will have lost roughly five to six hours of daylight compared with late August.

The brightest planetary highlight comes on 21 September, when Saturn reaches opposition and will be at its closest and most illuminated as seen from Earth. At opposition, the planet lies opposite the Sun in the sky and will be visible all night; it will appear as a steady, non-twinkling point of light in the constellation Pisces. The planet is discernible to the naked eye, but a telescope is required to resolve its rings.

Between 2 October and 7 November the Orionid meteor shower will be active, with a peak around 22 October when observers could see about 25 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. The Orionids are fast meteors that produce long, bright streaks and originate from debris left by Halley’s Comet. This year the peak coincides with a new moon, reducing moonlight and improving visibility; viewers are advised to look toward the constellation Orion, avoid artificial light, and allow their eyes time to adapt to the dark.

The Draconid and Taurid showers are expected to be less impressive this season. The Draconids peak on the night of 8 October, but that coincides with a full moon, making faint meteors difficult to detect. The Taurids peak on 12 November and typically produce a low rate of activity — around five meteors per hour — and this year a waxing gibbous moon (about 84 percent illuminated) will further limit visibility.

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s perigee, its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit. The full moon on 5 November will be a supermoon, and another supermoon follows on 4 December. Supermoons can appear up to around 14% larger and roughly 30% brighter than when the Moon is at apogee, though the difference is subtle to casual observers.

Clear skies remain the crucial factor for all of these events. Recent weather patterns in the region have been influenced by a jet stream positioned across southern parts of the United Kingdom and prevailing low pressure, producing unsettled and changeable conditions. Observers should check local sunset and sunrise times and consult up-to-date weather forecasts to plan viewing.

For the best experience, choose a dark site away from urban light pollution, allow at least 20–30 minutes for eyes to adapt to darkness, and bring warm clothing and a reclining chair for extended periods of skywatching. Telescopes or binoculars enhance views of planets and bright meteors, but many of the events this autumn are visible to the unaided eye when skies are clear.