What’s Up in Denver? October 19th through 25th, 2026

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Here’s a brief look at what’s going on in the Mile High City this week.

October 19:

Big G: Ghost in the Machine
Big G: The Ghost in the Machine

October 20:

Complex Rotators and Their Mysterious Light Curves
Complex Rotators and Their Mysterious Light Curves

October 21:

The Moon reaches Ascending Node
The Moon reaches Ascending Node

October 22:

Orionids Meteor Shower
Orionids Meteor Shower

October 23:

Sommers-Bausch Observatory
Sommers-Bausch Observatory
  • CU Boulder Observatory Open House: Free, in-person event at Sommers-Bausch Observatory: 7:00PM
  • Venus reaches inferior conjunction with the Sun as it passes between earth and the Sun in its orbit and into the morning sky: 10:00 PM

October 24:

The Moon near Saturn
The Moon near Saturn

October 25

This Week’s Solar System Summary:

  • The Sun shifts from rising about 7:14 AM to 7:21 AM, while sunset moves from 6:14 PM to 6:06 PM, continuing the steady shortening of daylight through October.
  • The Moon rises in the afternoon at the start of the week and shifts into the evening by the weekend, while moonset moves from around midnight into the early morning hours.
  • Mercury is low in the western sky after sunset, following its greatest eastern elongation last week. Look for it shortly after sunset with a clear western horizon, although bright twilight makes it challenging to spot.
  • Venus is disappearing into the Sun’s glare as it approaches inferior conjunction on October 24. It will be extremely difficult to observe in the evening twilight this week.
  • Mars rises during the early morning hours and is visible in the eastern sky before sunrise. It remains relatively faint but is gradually becoming more prominent.
  • Jupiter rises during the early morning hours and shines brightly in the eastern sky before sunrise. It is an increasingly easy target for morning observers.
  • Saturn is visible during the evening and much of the night. It remains well placed for telescopic observing following its recent opposition.
  • Uranus rises during the evening and is well placed for late-night observing. Binoculars or a telescope will help locate it under dark skies.
  • Neptune is visible during the evening and much of the night. Although it has passed opposition, it remains well placed for telescope observing.

This Week’s Meteoric Activity:

You can keep track of the activity of meteor showers as well as those beyond the limits of visual observing by visiting the NASA Meteor Shower Portal.

  • Orionids (ORI): 4:00 AM near Betelgeuse in Orion: About 10–20 per hour at peak. Peak October 21–22
  • Southern Taurids (STA): 2:00 AM near Aldebaran in Taurus: About 2–3 per hour
  • ε-Geminids (EGE): 3:00 AM in Gemini: About 3 per hour. Peak October 18 (activity continues through October 27)
  • Leonis Minorids (LMI): 4:00 AM in Leo Minor: About 2 per hour. Peak October 24
  • Northern Taurids (NTA): 2:00 AM in Taurus: Less than 1 per hour. Activity begins October 20

Check Out These Helpful Guides from DAS:

Sky Map

Clear skies and happy stargazing!