Stargazing on Mount Teide this October
Andromeda Galaxy, Milky Way, Libra, Scorpio and the Orionids Meteor Shower
October is one of the best months of the year for stargazing in Tenerife. Thanks to its crystal-clear skies, minimal light pollution, and the high altitude of Mount Teide (3,718m), the island offers unrivalled views of the cosmos.
With Night Skies Tenerife, you’ll experience the wonders of the universe in the heart of Teide National Park – recognised by UNESCO as one of the best stargazing destinations in the world.
October Skylight - Meteor Shower Alert!
The Draconids - October 6th to 10th
The Draconids meteor shower, peaking on the 8th October is an annual event, associated with the comet Giacobini-Zinner offering a unique and potentially thrilling viewing experience. Although its activity can vary greatly from year to year, it remains a beloved event for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
The Orionids – October 2nd to November 7th
The Orionid meteor shower, peaking 21st October is a wonderful celestial event that captivates stargazers every October, named after the constellation Orion. With its association with Halley’s Comet, the shower not only provides beautiful meteors but also connects observers with a historic comet known for its long orbital journey through the solar system.
Constellations Over Tenerife in October
As autumn deepens, constellations like Pegasus, Andromeda, Pisces, and Aquarius dominate Tenerife’s skies. The iconic Cassiopeia, shaped like a “W,” guides the eye towards the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), the closest spiral galaxy to our own Milky Way and visible to the naked eye from Teide’s slopes.
All of these are visible with the naked eye, but through our telescopes, they become truly unforgettable.
Galaxies and Deep Sky Wonders
October is the perfect time to view the Andromeda Galaxy, shining brightly overhead. Using Night Skies Tenerife’s powerful telescopes, you can also spot globular clusters and nebulae scattered across the dark canvas of the universe. The clarity of Teide’s atmosphere gives visitors a breathtaking view of the
Milky Way stretching across the sky.
Zodiac Signs in the September Sky
- Libra (The Scales) - Symbol of balance and fairness, Libra is a graceful constellation that shines faintly in the west. From Teide’s skies, its delicate outline is easier to spot, representing harmony as the seasons shift.
- Scorpio (The Scorpion) - One of the most striking constellations, Scorpio dominates the southern horizon with its fiery red heart star, Antares. Its long curving tail and stinger are unforgettable under Tenerife’s crystal-clear skies.
- Sagittarius (The Archer) - Sagittarius points his bow and arrow directly at the centre of our Milky Way. Rich with star clusters and nebulae, this constellation is a gateway to some of the universe’s most dazzling deep-sky treasures.
Our guides bring the zodiac to life with mythology and laser pointers to trace their celestial shapes.
Source: starwalk.space/en
The Moon Phases
For the darkest skies and the most stars, the best time is a couple of days after the full moon, for three weeks.
New Moon
21st October - The moon will be completely dark and not visible from Earth.
First Quarter
29th October - The right half of the moon will be illuminated, providing good viewing conditions.
Full Moon
7th October - The entire face of the moon will be illuminated, making it bright and prominent in the night sky.
Last Quarter
12th October - The left half of the moon will be illuminated as it transitions back to a new moon.
