October 2020 Blue Moon And Other Sky Shows To Watch

The month of October will start with a full moon on the first day of the month. As the calendar works out, we will have a second full moon on Halloween.  Two full moons in the same month is the loose interpretation of the original meaning of 4 full moons in a season (3 months).

There are quite a few other shows in the night sky over the month that I wanted to document for you. Perhaps add it to your calendar. If you are a teacher, share with your students.  Hopefully we will get a clear sky on that date, but that weather report will have to wait until we get closer.

 

Two Full Moons Of October 2020

 

October 1 

• Main Name: Harvest Moon
• Other Names: Corn Moon, Fruit Moon, and Barley Moon

 

October 31

• The Blue Moon, but it will NOT look blue.
• Main Name:  Hunter’s Moon
• Other Names: Blood Moon, Autumn Moon, Sanguin Moon, Dying Moon.

 

International Space Station Flyovers

Oct. 1

• Time: 9:28 PM
• Height: 66º

 

 

🚀 Rocket Launch From Wallops Island

• Time: 9:38 PM
• What: Supply Mission for ISS
• Visible in all of Maryland and the Mid Atlantic Region.

 

Oct. 2 

• Time: 8:32 PM
• Height: 40º

Oct. 4

• Time: 8:35 PM
• Height: 39º

Oct. 5

• Time: 7:47 PM
• Height: 68º  <— Best Viewing

Oct. 6

• Time: 7:00 PM
• Height: 41º

These dates and times for the Mid Atlantic Region of the US.

 

Other Notable Events

Oct. 2 Moon and Mars

These two bodies will have their closest approach with 0.39º separation. The moon will be 98% of it’s brightness. They will meet again later in the month.

 

Oct. 5 Camelopardalid Meteor Shower

•  This constelation is the girrafe between Ursa Major and Cassiopeia. 
• Peak: 5 meteors per hour. But bright moon may limit what you can see.

 

Oct. 7 and 8 Draconid Meteor Shower

Located in the constellation Draco and near the bright star Vega. Numbers change each year, and the moon will be 62% competing with the darkness.

 

Oct. 13 Moon and Venus at closest approach

They will be 4º02’ and the moon will be a cresent 

Mars will be at oppositon. This is oopposite the sun, so it’s full face will be lit and in the middle of the midnight sky.

 

Oct. 18 Gemenid Meteor Shower Peak

Peak around 3 per hour, but can be spotted near the moon.

 

Oct. 20 Osiris REx Probe

• NASA will be attempting to gather dirt off of an asteroid named Bennu. 
• This is 1,6400 Ft or 500 M wide

We can’t see this directly, but we will hear about it. If it is successful, it will stay there until March 2021, then return to Earth on September 24, 2023 with the sample.

 

NASA Video

 

Oct. 21 Orionid Meteor Shower Peak

This is the main event!

• Up to 25 per hour.
• The entire show is the 16th to the 30th, but this is the best night.

 

Oct. 22 Closest Approach of Moon, Saturn, and Jupiter

• Moon and Saturn will be 2º00’ at sunset
• Mooon and Jupiter will be 2º34’ later.
• Almost a half moon and all three will be easy to spot if the sky is clear.

 

 

Oct. 29 Close Approach of Moon and Mars

Separation 2º42’ and the moon will be 96% bright.

 

Oct. 31 SpaceX Falcon 9 will launch from Kennedy Space Center wtih a crew of 4 astronauts.

Time: 2:40 AM ET

See more here:

 

Oct. 31 Full Moon/Blue Moon/Hunter’s Moon

 

 

Also See

Fireball Seen On Dash Cam in PA on September 30

 

 

Comet NEOWISE Viewing All July (photos/video)

 

 

 

 

 

Maryland Weather Page

Maryland Weather 

I wanted to keep it simple. Just the basics for a quick view at any time.

 

Also See

Sunflower Season: Millers Farm Photos And Info

 

 

Explore More:

Autumnal Facts and Weather Stats

 

Record Low Tied at BWI and Frost Photos Sep 20

 

Typical First Frost and Freeze

Also See:

July 2020 The hottest on record. Will it hint at snow this winter?

 

 

 

 

Maryland Strong Love ❤️ 

My ‘bonus’ daughter made this map of Maryland a few years ago. We brought it back for needed positivity. Now on her pick of tanks, and this cool Maryland T for men or women.

Click here or on the image to see more

This is all LOCAL: Made by Maryland Print House; Proceeds support my Maryland Trek 7 this August for Just In Power Kids.

 

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