7 sky events taking place this month - and how to see them

There are seven events that should provide some fantastic memories and pictures - including meteor showers, the blood moon and visible planets.

It is always a good idea to head somewhere away from towns and cities so the light pollution doesn't interfere.

The best time to view them is in the early hours, after midnight. Remember to wrap up warm as it can get chilly at that time!

If you manage to capture any photos, don't forget to send them in to webdesk@nqnw.co.uk, and they could feature in the paper and online.

October 5 - Hunter's Moon

The Hunter's Moon, also known as the blood moon, refers to a full moon that appears during the month of October.

The moon also rises closer to sunset, meaning there is a prolonged periods of light during this time of the the year, which is the reason why these moons have traditionally been used by hunters and farmers to finish their work.

The moon used to be an important part of the hunting calendar, as it signified the best time to kill deer, which had fattened themselves up over summer on the abundant grass.

Once every four years, the moon rises in November instead of October.

October 5 and 19 - Moon phases

You will be able to see the full moon on October 5, and the new moon on October 19.

The moon passes through four phases - first quarter, full moon, third quarter, new moon.

The new moon - when there is no moon in the sky - will enable people to see other, less bright objects in the sky.

October 8 – The Draconids Meteor Shower

This meteor shower, also known as Giacobinids, owes its name to the constellation Draco, which is Latin for Dragon.

The shower is created when the Earth passes through the dust debris left by comet 21 P/ Giacobini-Zinner.

The shower runs each year between October 6 and October 10 but it is expected to peak on the evening of October 8.

October 8 - Mercury at its highest point

You might be able to catch a sneak peek of Mercury on October 8.

The planet will transition out of the morning sky into the evening sky on this date, but it might not climb high enough to be seen above the glare of the sunset.

Keep your eyes peeled though, just in case!

October 17 - Moon passes close to Mars

October is also the month Mars will climb out of the glare of sunrise.

Look for Mars to emerge in the east before dawn in late September or early October 2017.

Mars will probably first be visible on October 5, along with Venus.

Be sure to watch the moon pass close to Mars on the morning of October 17.

October 20 - Orionids Meteor Shower

This meteor shower will feature up to 20 meteors per hour and is only visible every 76 years.

The best time to view the Orionids is just after midnight and right before dawn.

The meteor shower is made up of debris from Comet Halley.

It's called Orionids because the meteors seem to emerge or radiate from the constellation Orion.

October 23 - Saturn at its brightest

October will give people the opportunity to see other worlds with their own eyes.

Saturn will be viewable from dusk until mid-evening. Look to the southwest of the sky at dusk or nightfall. Your best view of Saturn is around nightfall because that’s when Saturn is highest up for the night.

Although Saturn has dimmed slightly since September, you will still be able to view it with just your eyes all through October.

Be sure to let the moon guide you to Saturn - and the nearby star Antares - for several days, centered on or near October 23.

Saturn is the furthest planet we can easily see with the naked eye and it appears golden in colour, shining with a steady light.

With credit to Earth Sky - earthsky.org - and Time and Date - timeanddate.com/astronomy/