As we bid farewell to the summer of 2025 and welcome the arrival of autumn, the night sky invites us to bear witness to a cosmic spectacle that promises to be both captivating and awe-inspiring. From the ethereal glow of comets to the ancient grandeur of distant galaxies, this season’s celestial display offers a vast array of wonders sure to delight skywatchers of all levels.
First up on our list of must-see spectacles is the Orionids meteor shower. Named after the constellation Orion, from which they appear to originate, these swift and bright meteors are actually fragments of Halley’s Comet. This year, the Orionids are expected to peak on the night of October 21 and the early morning of October 22, offering a dazzling array of shooting stars to those willing to brave the chill of the autumn night.
Next, let’s turn our gaze toward the Andromeda Galaxy. As our closest spiral galaxy neighbor, Andromeda is a sight to behold. Visible to the naked eye on moonless nights, this galaxy, which is on a collision course with our own Milky Way in about four billion years, offers a glimpse into the grand scale of our universe.
On November 8, the Taurid meteor shower will stage a spectacular show. Unlike other meteor showers that are over in a flash, the Taurids offer a slower and more prolonged display, with meteors that linger in the sky, creating long, glowing trails.
Following the Taurids, we have the Leonid meteor shower, peaking on November 17. Known for their speed and abundance, Leonids offer a vibrant display as they streak across the night sky at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per second.
Autumn’s night sky also hosts two of the most prominent and easily identifiable constellations: Ursa Major, also known as the Big Dipper, and its smaller counterpart, Ursa Minor. These celestial markers have guided explorers for centuries and continue to captivate with their simple beauty.
As we approach December, the Geminid meteor shower makes its appearance. Known as the “king of meteor showers,” the Geminids peak around December 13 and 14, offering up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour.
Lastly, keep your eyes peeled for Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein, set to make its closest approach to Earth this December. Discovered in 2014, this icy giant from the outer edges of our solar system is making its first known trip through the inner solar system, promising a spectacular show.
So, as the nights get longer and the air becomes crisper, why not step outside, look up, and lose yourself in the majesty of our autumn night sky? With its array of celestial treasures, it’s sure to be a season to remember.
Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/stargazing/autumn-skywatching-targets-to-see-in-the-night-sky-2025](https://www.space.com/stargazing/autumn-skywatching-targets-to-see-in-the-night-sky-2025).