Your guide to Ireland's skies

We have finally made it to the busiest and most exciting month in Blackrock Castle Observatory’s calendar, because this month we celebrate Space Week. Space Week runs in parallel with World Space Week, which takes place from the 4th to the 10th of October each year. During this time, we ask the people of Ireland to focus on the theme of ‘Living in Space’. Events will take place all across the country, in schools, clubs, and communities, focusing on the wonders of the universe around us. We want to promote space science, technology, and exploration and inspire the next generations of space enthusiasts. A great way to celebrate Space Week from your home is to do some stargazing and there are some very cool things to see this month. Let’s discuss our October night sky and highlight some of our exciting upcoming events for Space Week. 

With our days growing shorter and the nights longer, October brings some wonderful opportunities to view the night sky from Ireland. With meteor showers, comets and bright planets, this month is a treat for any stargazers or space enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned observer or just looking up in wonder for the first time, here’s what to keep an eye on in October 2025. 

The Draconid Meteor Shower (October 8th) 

While most meteor showers are best seen after midnight, the Draconids put on their show just after nightfall. Named after the constellation Draco, the point from which the meteor shower appears to emanate from, this shower is active from October 6th to 10th, with the peak expected on the 8th. We see this shower earlier than most because Draco will be highest in the sky just after sunset.  

Although the Draconids don’t always produce large numbers of meteors, typically only a few per hour, they are known for the occasional outburst of spectacular activity. Unfortunately, we do not have favourable conditions, with a full moon on October 7th. The glare from the bright moon will make it quite difficult to spot this shower, but if you do try make sure you go to a dark sky area. You don’t need binoculars or telescopes, just sit back and let your eyes adjust to the dark. 

The Orionid Meteor Shower (October 21st– 22nd) 

Later in the month, the Orionid meteor shower takes the stage. Originating from the debris left by Halley’s Comet, the Orionids are active from October 2nd through November 7th, peaking on the night of October 22nd. With an average of about 15 meteors per hour at its peak, this shower provides a beautiful show of fast, bright meteors. 

The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Orion, which rises late in the evening in the east. The Orionids are known for their speed and sometimes leave glowing trails in the sky. This year, we have a new moon on October 21st, so conditions will be ideal as long as our weather cooperates! 

Comet C/2025 A6 (LEMMON) 

We may be in for a treat at the end of the month, with a possibility of seeing a comet with the naked eye. Comet C/2025 A6 (LEMMON) is an early morning object for Irish observers, drifting slowly through the constellation of Lynx. Currently it can be seen through telescopes or powerful binoculars as a small fuzzy green object, but comet observers are hopeful that by the end of October, it may be bright enough to see in non-light polluted areas and may even have a visible tail! You could even be in with a chance of spotting both a comet and meteor shower at the same time with Orionids taking place at the same time 

Prominent Planets 

Another highlight of this month will be the planets. Saturn will be visible in the east as the Sun sets every evening. Saturn is extremely bright, and you should easily spot it travelling across the southern sky as the night progresses. On the night of October 5th, the almost full Moon will pass closely by Saturn which will be a beautiful spectacle. Later to the party is Jupiter, which you will see rise in the east after midnight. Jupiter is brighter than any star we see, but Venus is the brightest of them all. At the beginning of the month, Venus will rise in the early hours of the morning in the east and stay visible for about an hour before sunrise. As October progresses, Venus will get closer to the Sun and limit the amount of time we see if before the Sun obscures it from view. At the end of October, the time will go back by one hour, so bear that in mind when trying to find the planets. If you have a telescope, why not try to get a glimpse of the planets in more detail. You may see some of Jupiter’s moons, or even Saturn’s rings.  

Space Week 

In 2023 and 2024 Ireland ranked second per capita for hosting Space Week events globally and this year we are still aiming high. Events will be taking place across the country and there is still time to register more on www.spaceweek.ie. Registration is free and will help promote your event. Our ongoing success with Space Week shows it really is a great time to get involved and learn a little about the universe we live in. There’s plenty of ways to take part, such as attending an event, entering a competition or even just doing some stargazing. This year Space Week is going on the road with NASA Astronaut Dan Tani and our own Dr. Niall Smith, as they explore the wonders of the cosmos and the Emerald Isle.  

Blog post written by Jane Dooley