SUMMARY
October 2026 marks a transition for astrophotographers with earlier darkness and longer nights. It presents the last opportunity to photograph the Milky Way's core from the Northern Hemisphere as it sets low in the southwest. The month features Saturn at opposition on October 4, offering its brightest view, and a full 'Hunter's Moon' on October 26, which is also a small supermoon. While the Orionid meteor shower peaks October 21-22, moonlight will hinder optimal viewing.
TAKEAWAYS
Final chance to photograph the Milky Way's core in the Northern Hemisphere during early October's dark sky window.
Saturn reaches opposition on October 4, providing the best conditions for photographing the ringed planet.
October 26 features the full 'Hunter's Moon,' a small supermoon best captured at moonrise with a telephoto lens.
The Orionid meteor shower peaks October 21-22, but bright moonlight will limit visibility.