There's plenty of astronomical events happening in October.
From two meteor showers, sightings of Mars and Uranus and a rare blue moon, the whole family can be guaranteed to see a number of spectacles.
As long as there's a clear sky, you will be able to see these showers, planets and moons through the naked eye.
So, make sure to jot these dates in your diary so you don't miss out.
Meteor showers
- October 8 - Draconids meteor shower
This meteor shower is typically a modest one, though there have been spectacular exceptions in the past - including in 2018.
It's created by the dust debris left by the Comet Giacobini-Zinner.
This year's shower peaks on the night between October 8 and 9 and is best viewed at nightfall, unlike most other meteor showers where the activity is typically highest after midnight.
- October 21 - Orionids
One of the best known and most reliable meteor showers, the Orionids peak this year on the night of October 21 and 22, between midnight and dawn.
The meteors are fast with fine trains and are created by debris from Halley's Comet. You can expect to see up to 20 per hour at its peak.
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Mars - October 13
The best chance to see the red planet is on October 13 as it reaches its closest approach to Earth.
It's the brightest and best Mars will look in the night sky all year and you should be able to see some of the details on the planet's surface with a medium-sized telescope.
Uranus - October 31
This date is the best night to see Uranus as it arrives in opposition to the sun.
You might be able to see it if you live somewhere with little light pollution.
Look out for a greenish disk in the sky.
Rare blue moon - October 31
On Halloween, we will also be treated to a blue Hunter's moon.
While the moon won't actually look blue, it will be a full moon.
A blue moon occurs once every two to three years, so make sure you get a glimpse on Halloween.
