Greetings, astronomy enthusiasts!

As Halloween approaches and spooky decorations start to fill our neighborhoods, it's the perfect opportunity to direct your gaze upwards—not just towards those massive skeletons adorning front lawns, but also at the wonders of the night sky!

This month brings exciting celestial events, including **two meteor showers**, one of which can be spotted in the early evening hours! Make sure to catch this month's visual Star Gazing Guide to learn more about these shooting stars and where to find them in the sky.

The Comet of the Century

One of the most thrilling astronomical phenomena this month is the arrival of **Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS**. This remarkable comet has recently become visible in our morning skies and is set to transition into the evening sky from October 12 to 20. Comets are fascinating entities made of ice and dust that travel through space, orbiting the Sun. As they approach, they heat up and release gases, creating the stunning tail we see trailing behind them.

If you're eager to catch a glimpse of this comet, look towards the western horizon just after sunset. You might see what resembles a bright new star, and with the aid of binoculars or a telescope, you should be able to spot a faint streak that indicates the comet's tail. Keep in mind that comets change rapidly, and their visibility can vary, so don’t miss this chance!

Earth’s Temporary Mini-Moon

In addition to the comet, there's also buzz about a **new temporary companion for Earth**—a miniature moon! However, let’s temper our excitement, as this small asteroid, **2024 PT5**, measures only about 10 meters across, and this designation as a "moon" needs a reality check. It has altered its path around the Sun and will orbit Earth for roughly two months, but it won’t manage a full revolution before continuing its journey into the depths of space.

While this may sound enchanting, 2024 PT5 will be positioned over ten times farther away from us than the Moon—and it’s a mere fraction of the size of our natural satellite at only about 1/350,000th the mass. To spot it, you’ll need a powerful telescope, and with occurrences like this happening a few times a decade, it’s a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our solar system.

A Call to Stargaze and Learn

Be sure to dive deeper into this month's spectacular events with the **October Star Gazing Guide video** on the Guelph Physics YouTube channel. Everyone can appreciate the majestic universe above us, making stargazing a fantastic way to connect with others who share your curiosity.

Until next month, may your skies be clear and your evenings filled with inspiration from the celestial wonders above. Don’t forget to step outside and look up!