October 2026 Issue
Exploring the Autumn Sky Gas Giants, observing and new ideas.
October brings darker evenings, Saturn at opposition, the return of the winter constellations and some excellent opportunities for beginner observing and astrophotography.
October Feature
Jupiter and Saturn: The Gas Giants
Discover the Solar System’s two great gas giants, from Jupiter’s turbulent atmosphere and Great Red Spot to Saturn’s spectacular rings and family of moons.
Explore the Gas Giants →October Night Sky
What’s Up in October 2026?
Saturn reaches opposition, Mars crosses the Beehive Cluster, the Orionids return and the Moon passes through the Pleiades. Find out what to look for in the October sky.
See October’s night sky →Your Next Step
Why Join an Astronomical Society?
Meet other astronomers, learn how to use your equipment, attend observing sessions and discover how joining a local society can help you take the next step in astronomy.
Discover the benefits →Equipment Review
ND1000000 Solar Filter
What does an ND1000000 solar-photography filter actually do, when would you use one and does a beginner astrophotographer really need one yet?
Do you need one yet? →The Editor’s Thoughts
Will AI Travel to the Stars Before We Do?
The distances between the stars may be too great for human lifetimes — but what about machines? Could the first alien intelligence we encounter be the creation of a civilisation that disappeared long ago?
Read The Editor’s Thoughts →Beginner Astrophotography
Try October’s Photo Challenge
Photograph Mars among the stars of the Beehive Cluster or try capturing the Moon with the Pleiades. We’ll give you some simple starting settings to help you have a go.
Try the October challenge →About the Magazine
About Exploring The Night Sky
Find out more about Exploring The Night Sky, why the site was created and the experience behind its astronomy guides, equipment advice and monthly features.
About the magazine →Previous Issues
Magazine Archive
Missed an earlier issue? Browse previous editions of Exploring The Night Sky and revisit our observing guides, features, reviews and astrophotography articles.
Browse previous issues →