Recent tips from NASA for sky observation include a comet and Europa.

NASA has presented its monthly update on celestial phenomena that can be enjoyed in the coming weeks. In a video, the space agency shared information that we summarize below.

Planets in the Sky

October is shaping up to be an ideal month for observing several planets in our solar system. Below are the details on which planets can be seen and the best times to view them:

• Venus: This planet is observable low on the western horizon just after sunset and disappears before darkness takes over the sky.
• Saturn: The second-largest planet in the system is visible towards the southeast as night falls and hides by dawn.
• Mars: The famous "red planet" rises around midnight in October, and by dawn, it is already elevated in the sky towards the south-southeast, alongside Jupiter.
• Jupiter: As the largest planet, Jupiter begins to appear in the first half of the night. In the early days of October, you will see it in the south as dawn approaches; as the month progresses, it will gradually move westward before dawn.

Europa Clipper Mission

NASA plans to launch its exploration mission to the solar system, focusing on one of the moons of the gas giant: Europa, likely on October 10. According to the agency, Europa may contain a vast ocean of liquid saltwater beneath its icy surface. This mission is pioneering the study of an ocean world beyond Earth, seeking to answer whether Europa could harbor any form of life. It will also provide information about the conditions that make a world habitable.

On the mornings of October 11 and 25, if the sky is clear, you can use a telescope or binoculars to observe Europa. Don't miss the opportunity to follow NASA's mission to this ocean in space.

Encounters Between the Moon and the Planets

NASA also advises keeping an eye out for encounters between the moon and the planets. The moon will appear close to Saturn in the southeast after sunset on October 13 and 14, and it will then approach Jupiter in the east on the night of October 20. Additionally, during the mornings of October 23 and 24, early risers will be able to see Mars alongside the moon in the southern sky.

Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Comet

This month presents a great opportunity to spot what could be the brightest comet of the year. This is the same comet that has been captured by astronauts on the ISS. Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is traveling through the inner solar system and recently made its closest pass to the sun. Its proximity to Earth will occur on October 13, offering the best viewing conditions starting that day, low on the western horizon by evening. The visibility of the comet will improve with each night, although its brightness may diminish. Predictions about its luminosity are uncertain; if the comet's tail is illuminated by the sun, it could be visible to the naked eye. However, comets often surprise, so we will have to wait and see what happens.