October 2026 Sky Guide: Saturn Opposition, Orionids, and Lunar Alignments
October 2026 offers prime viewing opportunities for Saturn at opposition on October 4, the Orionid meteor shower peak on October 21-22, and the Moon passing near the Pleiades on October 27-28. A thin crescent Moon will occult Jupiter on October 6, while the Hunter's Moon reaches full illumination on October 26. Skywatchers should note that a waxing gibbous Moon may interfere with meteor viewing, requiring early morning observation after moonset.