As autumn deepens over the Front Range, the night sky is putting on a show worthy of a mountain backdrop. October brings not one but two cosmic spectacles: a radiant supermoon and a pair of meteor showers that promise to streak across Colorado’s crisp evening skies.

The Supermoon: Bigger, Brighter, Bolder

Tonight, Monday, October 6, the full moon is no ordinary lunar event—it’s a supermoon, appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. This happens when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee.

For stargazers in Colorado Springs, the moon will rise over Pikes Peak just after sunset, casting silver light across the foothills and illuminating the landscape with an almost surreal glow. Photographers, hikers, and night owls alike will find it irresistible. It’s like the moon is leaning in for a closer look.

Meteor Showers: Draconids and Orionids

The Draconid meteor shower peaks this week, with best viewing on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 7–8. Unlike most showers, the Draconids are best seen just after sunset, making them ideal for families and early risers. Originating from comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, these meteors tend to be slow-moving and dramatic.

Later in the month, the Orionid meteor shower—spawned by Halley’s Comet—will peak around October 21–22. These meteors are faster and more frequent, often leaving glowing trails.

How to Watch

• Best time: After sunset for Draconids; after midnight for Orionids.  
• Where: Anywhere with dark skies—try Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, or Rampart Range Road.  
• Tips: Dress warm, bring a blanket, and give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust to the dark. No binoculars needed—just look up.

A Seasonal Invitation to Wonder

October’s skies aren’t just a spectacle—they’re a signal. It’s time to shift from summer’s splashy fun to fall’s quiet magical pull, or as my daughter Quinn would say the ‘spooky season’. Pull on your favorite sweater, pour something warm into your favorite mug, and step outside. Let the cool air wrap around you as you trade the screen in your hand for the screen in the sky.

Yes, people of the Rockies—it’s time to look up at the beautiful heavens.

Cosmic Connection

These events remind us that even in a world of headlines and deadlines, the universe continues its constant orbit. Whether you’re watching from a mountain trail or your backyard porch, October’s sky invites you to pause, wonder, and reconnect.