Night Sky Guide
StarGazing India Blog & News Update: October 2025 Night Sky Guide
Published on September 26, 2025 by Nishant Gor
As October arrives, the Indian night sky promises some of the most spectacular astronomical sights of the year. Here’s what’s happening in the cosmos—and how you can experience these wonders with StarGazing India, pioneers of astro-tourism and public outreach in Bhuj and beyond.
Major Celestial Events & Latest Astronomy News: October 2025
Three +1 Comets Light Up October Nights
- C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) is expected to brighten to binocular visibility near perihelion on October 8. It may even survive its close solar approach and become a highlight for skywatchers across India.
- C/2025 R2 (SWAN) will reach closest approach to Earth on October 19. Already visible through binoculars, SWAN could be bright enough for naked-eye observation under dark rural skies by mid-late October.
- C/2025 A6 (Lemmon), discovered by the Mount Lemmon Survey, will be closest to Earth on October 21—just as the Orionid meteor shower peaks. Small telescopes already reveal this comet, and it may get brighter in the coming weeks.
- 3I/ATLAS (the interstellar comet!) reaches perihelion October 29–30, briefly joining the lineup for advanced observers.
October 7: Supermoon, Full (Harvest) Moon
October’s full moon is both a supermoon and the traditional “Harvest Moon,” with stunning views for festivals and night-time photography. Expect larger, brighter moonrise—perfect for family stargazing sessions.
October 20–23: Orionid Meteor Shower Peak
The Orionids, produced by Halley's Comet debris, peak October 22–23. With the new moon on October 21, skies will be especially dark, giving maximum visibility. Rural locations in Gujarat, Odisha, and Ladakh will see up to 20 meteors per hour. Look east after midnight—join StarGazing India’s guided meteor watch events for the best experience.
Planetary Alignments & Conjunctions
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 6 | Moon near Saturn and Neptune |
| October 10 | Moon near the Pleiades |
| October 13 | Moon near Jupiter |
| October 19 | Moon near Venus; Mercury near Mars |
| October 23 | Moon near Mars and Mercury |
| October 29 | Mercury at greatest elongation east—best viewed just after sunset in the west. |
World Space Week, Oct 4–10
Celebrate UN World Space Week, the largest annual space event! StarGazing India will host special astro-education and family nights. Check local schedules for interactive workshops, talks, and telescope sessions.
Latest Astronomy Discoveries & International News
- Comet SWAN, Lemmon, & ATLAS: Three new comets discovered this year will be visible across the world. SWAN was first spotted by Vladimir Bezugly using SOHO satellite data, Lemmon through the Mount Lemmon Observatory, and ATLAS by the NASA-funded ATLAS program in Chile.
- Interstellar Visitor: 3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar object observed entering our solar system. Its closest approach to the Sun will be a major topic for astronomers globally.
- Upcoming Deep-Sky Objects: Star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies will be in peak visibility as the Milky Way arches over India’s darkest-sky sites.
- World Space Week Highlights: International collaboration and new space missions are announced, with major discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope and Perseverance rover expected soon.
Stargazing Tips for October 2025 in India
- Use Binoculars or a Small Telescope for the comets and deep-sky objects.
- Photograph the Supermoon on October 7 using landscape foregrounds for dramatic effect.
- Watch Meteor Showers from Dark Locations: The Orionids are best seen from rural or desert sites after midnight.
- Attend StarGazing India Events: Guided sessions, hands-on workshops, and night-sky storytelling blend science and fun for all ages.
Get Involved!
Follow StarGazing India on social media for live event updates, astrophotography tips, and astronomy alerts. Share your photos and stories using the hashtag #StargazingIndia for a chance to be featured in next month’s newsletter. With comets, supermoons, meteor showers, and planetary alignments, October 2025 is a month for everyone—from families to seasoned astronomers—to experience the magical universe above India!