From meteor showers to supermoons, these celestial events are worth catching as the days grow shorter.
We have two supermoons coming up (Image: Laszlo Szirtesi via Getty Images)
You may have missed the total lunar eclipse that occurred earlier this month, but this autumn season is about to see some incredible night time displays that Scots should do their best not to miss. Although meteorological autumn began on September 1, astronomical autumn begins with the equinox, which takes place on September 22 this year.
The autumnal equinox brings longer nights, and with them comes a series of astronomical events that will make for some perfect stargazing evenings. Several meteor showers and two supermoons are just on the horizon, so it’s safe to say that amateur stargazers are certainly in for a treat as we delve deeper into the colder months.
For those looking to plan their next stargazing sessions in advance, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting celestial events taking place over the next couple of months, as shared by BBC weather. So, whether you’re a pro astronomer or not, here are the best space events taking place this autumn.
Five night sky events Scots shouldn’t miss this autumn
Saturn will be especially bright just before the equinox(Image: NASA/Getty Images)1. Bright Saturn
This event will occur just before the equinox, on September 21, when Saturn will be at its closest point to the Earth, and therefore appear the brightest.
This is called being in ‘opposition’, in that the planet will be directly opposite the sun and appear brighter as a result.
While it will be visible to the naked eye, you’ll need to dig out your telescope to see the trademark rings that surround this far-off planet.
2. Orionid meteor shower
While we recently saw the Perseid meteors back in August, the Orionid meteor shower takes place between October 2 and November 7, peaking for about a week around the October 22, according to BBC weather.
The Orionids are fast-moving meteors that originate from Halley’s Comet, and they appear as long bright flashes in the night sky.
You’ll need to stay as far from light pollution as possible to spot the beauties, but their peak will occur at the same time as the new Moon, meaning they should be easier to spot.
3. Draconids meteor shower
The next meteor shower of the season will be harder to spot.
This is because the Draconids peak on the night of October 8, coinciding with the full Moon, whose light will likely drown out the shine of the meteors.
4. Taurids meteor shower
The Taurids will be harder to spot, but are worth looking for this November(Image: Getty Images)
The peak of the Taurids on November 12 will also be tricky to spot, as this shower only produces around five meteors per hour.
But those with access to an area with low light pollution and a telescope (and a lot of patience) will be able to spot this easily-missed shower.
5. Supermoons
We’re to see two supermoons before the end of the year- one on November 5 and another on December 4.
When the Moon is at its closest point to the Earth, it is known as being ‘in perigee’.
When the perigee coincides with a full Moon, it is known as a supermoon.
A supermoon can appear up to 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than when the Moon is further away from the Earth.
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