Al-Ajiri Scientific Center: 10 astronomical phenomena to light up Kuwait's sky in October
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Al-Ajiri Scientific Center announced the observation of 10 astronomical events in Kuwait during October 2026, including Saturn, the Moon, and meteor showers.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
The Al-Ajiri Science Center announced that the sky over Kuwait will witness approximately 10 notable astronomical phenomena and events during October 2026. These include the opposition of Saturn to the Sun, lunar conjunctions with several planets and celestial bodies, meteor showers from the Draconids and Orionids, as well as the full moon and its proximity to the Pleiades star cluster.
The center clarified that on October 4, Saturn will be in opposition to the Sun, positioned on the opposite side of Earth relative to the Sun. This configuration makes it ideal for observation, allowing it to be seen from Kuwait City from sunset until sunrise.
On October 5, the Moon will pass within a distance of one degree and eight arcminutes north of Mars, creating a clear apparent conjunction between the two celestial bodies. Both can be observed together from Kuwait City in the dawn sky.
Kuwait’s sky will see peak activity of the Draconid meteor showers on October 8 and 9. These meteors appear after sunset, and their activity this year coincides with a period close to the new moon phase. This provides a dark sky free from moonlight, facilitating clearer observation of the meteors.
On October 10, the new moon occurs, with the Moon and Sun aligned. The crescent of the Islamic month of Jumada al-Awwal is expected to be visible at 6:50 PM, shortly after sunset.
On October 12, Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation, a favorable period for attempting to observe it. It will appear in the evening sky, relatively far from the Sun’s glare.
The Orionid meteor showers will peak on October 21 and 22, marking the second most prominent meteor shower of October. Their activity period typically continues until November 7.
On October 24, the Moon will pass 6 degrees and 47 arcminutes north of Saturn. At this time, the Moon will be 14 days old, and both the Moon and Saturn can be observed together in the evening sky from Kuwait City.
The Moon will reach full phase on October 26, located in the lunar mansion (nakba) of Al-Batn. The October full moon is known as the “Hunter’s Moon,” a name historically associated with some Native American tribes in North America due to the moon’s brightness at this time of year, which aided hunters in spotting animals at night during the traditional hunting season.
On October 28, the Moon will approach the Pleiades star cluster, an astronomical sight visible to the naked eye, particularly in areas far from strong light sources where observing conditions are optimal.
The Al-Ajiri Science Center has urged astronomy enthusiasts to follow these phenomena and take advantage of their visibility times, recommending the selection of locations distant from light pollution sources to achieve the best possible viewing opportunities.
