Al-Ajiri: Distinct astronomical phenomena and events to grace Kuwait's sky in October
The Al-Ajiri Scientific Center revealed the observation of 9 astronomical events in Kuwait during October 2026, including Saturn, the Moon, and meteor showers.
Translated by Qiyas from السياسة — Original source
- Saturn’s Opposition to the Sun, Draconid and Orionid Meteor Showers, and Lunar Conjunctions Among the Notable Phenomena
The Al-Ajiri Science Center announced that the sky over Kuwait will witness nine distinct astronomical phenomena and events during October 2026. These include Saturn’s opposition to the Sun, lunar conjunctions with several planets and celestial bodies, the Draconid and Orionid meteor showers, as well as the full moon and the moon’s close approach 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 visible from Kuwait City from sunset until sunrise.
On October 5, the Moon will pass approximately one degree and eight arcminutes north of Mars, creating a clear apparent proximity between the two celestial bodies. Both can be observed together from Kuwait City in the dawn sky.
Kuwait’s sky will experience 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 become 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 distant 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 approximately 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-Batan. The full moon in October is known as the “Hunter’s Moon,” a name historically associated with some Indigenous 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.
