Get ready for one of the most exciting nights for sky lovers! On October 21–22, the night sky will be alive with activity from streaking meteors and glowing comets to a rare planetary meeting and even a chance of Northern Lights. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to look up, this is it.
Let’s break down everything you can see during this cosmic double night.
The Orionid Meteor Shower Peaks
Every October, Earth passes through the dusty trail left behind by Halley’s Comet, giving us the beautiful Orionid Meteor Shower. This year’s peak happens on the night of October 21 and early hours of October 22.
If you’re under a dark, clear sky, you might catch 20–25 meteors per hour, sometimes more. These meteors are fast, bright, and often leave glowing trails as they burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.
To watch them best:
Go out after midnight until dawn.
Find a dark, open spot away from city lights.
Let your eyes adjust for 20 minutes.
You don’t need any telescope just your eyes and a bit of patience. The meteors appear to come from the constellation Orion, near the bright red star Betelgeuse, but you can see them anywhere across the sky.
This year, the moonlight won’t interfere much, making 2025 an ideal time to catch the Orionids in full glory.
Mercury–Mars Conjunction
Before the meteor show begins, another rare event happens right after sunset. On the evening of October 21, the planets Mercury and Mars will appear very close together in the western sky a phenomenon called a conjunction.
This means both planets line up along our line of sight, creating a striking view in twilight. Mercury will shine slightly brighter, while Mars will appear as a dim reddish dot beside it.
Look low toward the western horizon about 30–45 minutes after sunset. Bring binoculars if you have them, as the pair will be low and may dip below the horizon quickly.
Planetary conjunctions like this don’t happen every week, so it’s a nice bonus before the night’s bigger sky show begins.
The Return of Comet Lemmon
Adding even more magic to the night is Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) a faint, greenish visitor glowing in the outer reaches of our sky this month.
Around October 21–22, Comet Lemmon will be at its brightest point as it makes its close pass by Earth. From dark rural skies, it might be visible with binoculars or even faintly to the naked eye.
To spot it:
Face the north-northwest sky after sunset.
Use a pair of binoculars and slowly scan the area near the bright star Arcturus or the Big Dipper.
Comets like Lemmon are made of ice and dust, and when they approach the Sun, their surface begins to vaporize forming the signature glowing tail that makes them so spectacular to see.
Even if it’s faint, knowing you’re looking at a visitor from the outer solar system that hasn’t been near Earth for thousands of years makes it special.
Possible Northern Lights
To top off the night, sky watchers in northern regions including parts of Canada, Northern Europe, Alaska, and occasionally farther south might catch a display of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights.
Recent increases in solar activity have raised the chances of a geomagnetic storm, which can trigger bright auroras dancing across the night sky in shades of green, pink, and violet.
If you’re at higher latitudes, check the Kp-index (a measure of geomagnetic activity). A Kp 5 or higher often means auroras could be visible farther south than usual.
While those living closer to the equator may not see the Northern Lights directly, social media feeds are likely to fill with breathtaking photos from those who do.
How to Watch the Show
To make the most of this two-night cosmic display:
Find a dark location away from streetlights the countryside or a quiet beach is perfect.
Check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies.
Bring a blanket or reclining chair, since you’ll want to look up comfortably for a while.
Use a star map app to help locate planets and comets.
Turn off your phone’s flashlight to help your eyes adjust to the dark.
Patience is key the sky rewards those who wait.
Why October 21–22 Is So Special
Nights like this don’t happen often. Usually, one celestial event at a time is enough to draw stargazers out but this week, you’re getting four:
1. A planetary alignment (Mercury & Mars)
2. A comet close pass (Lemmon)
3. The Orionid Meteor Shower peak
4. A possible Aurora Borealis display
All happening under moon-free skies, giving you the best possible visibility. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or someone who simply loves the night sky, this is your moment to connect with the universe above.
.On October 21–22, step outside, take a deep breath, and look up. You might catch a flash of a meteor, glimpse a planet pair glowing side by side, or even see a comet’s faint green shimmer.
Events like these remind us how alive our solar system really is and how much beauty there is to witness beyond our busy world below.
So grab a blanket, invite a friend, and enjoy the October 21–22 Sky Show nature’s free and unforgettable performance.