Venus climbs higher before dawn than at any other time this decade, providing a dramatic focal point for the four bright planets visible in October’s morning sky. Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury round out the remarkable quartet that awaits early risers.
The predawn scene holds only half of what skygazers can look forward to this month, however. The outer solar system puts its own stamp on the evening and overnight hours. Beautiful Saturn leads the way, ruling the southwestern sky as darkness falls. Once twilight fades away, Neptune and Pluto take center stage. Uranus represents the final piece of October’s planetary puzzle. This distant ice giant reaches opposition and peak visibility in October, so it remains visible all night.
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