Fall Celestial Calendar
Fall Stargazing
As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, the Haliburton Highlands’ autumn skies reveal some of the most spectacular celestial sights of the year. The crisp, cool air and earlier sunsets create ideal viewing conditions, making it easier to spot the Harvest Moon, the Orionid Meteor Shower, distant planets, and even the shimmering arc of the Milky Way.
Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply curious about the stars, fall offers a truly extraordinary cosmic experience within this pristine dark sky area.
Important Celestial Dates
Fall’s celestial calendar is filled with highlights, from brilliant full moons to active meteor showers and planetary alignments. Mark your calendar to take advantage of these nights when the Haliburton Highlands’ dark sky area truly shines.
Sep 11: New Moon
A New Moon in the sky means no moonlight to hinder your view of stars and planets. Use our Interactive Night Sky Map to find out what planets are visible tonight and where.
Sep 23: September Equinox
Also known as the autumnal (fall) equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the September Equinox is considered by many as the first day of fall.
Sep 26: Harvest Moon
The Full Moon closest to the September equinox is called the Harvest Moon. In 2025, the Harvest Moon fell in October; in 2026, it happens in September.
Oct 4: Saturn at Opposition
The ringed planet, Saturn, lies on the opposite side of Earth to the Sun, and is visible from sunset to sunrise.
Oct 8/9: Draconid Meteor Shower
The best time to see the shooting stars of the peaking Draconids is just after nightfall. This year, the peak period falls close to New Moon—giving us a dark, Moonless sky.
Oct 10: New Moon
A New Moon in the sky means no moonlight to hinder your view of stars and planets. Use our Interactive Night Sky Map to find out what planets are visible tonight and where.
Oct 12: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East
This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury: the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.
Oct 21/22: Orionid Meteor Shower
The Orionids are the second meteor shower in October. The shower peaks around October 21-22 but usually remains active from around October 2 to November 7. In 2026, the brightness of a Waxing Gibbous Moon may reduce the number of meteors that can be seen.
Oct 26: Hunter’s Moon
October’s Full Moon is the Hunter’s Moon. It is also called Drying Rice Moon, and sometimes Blood Moon or Sanguine Moon.
Nov 9: New Moon
The next-to-last New Moon of 2026 falls on November 9, at 07:02 UTC.
Nov 17/18: Leonid Meteor Shower
The Leonids shooting stars are visible from around November 6 to 30. They usually peak around November 17, with up to 15 meteors per hour.
Nov 20: Mercury at Greatest Elongation West
Mercury reaches its farthest distance from the Sun in the sky—for the 6th and final time this year.
Nov 24: Beaver Moon
November’s Full Moon is traditionally called a Beaver Moon, after beavers that build their dams during this time of the year. This year, it occurs at 14:53 UTC on November 24.
Bashkakodini-Giizis – Recognition of the Moon
Dec 9: New Moon
The final New Moon of 2026 falls at 00:51 UTC. A New Moon occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun—it is sometimes referred to as the invisible phase.
Dec 14/15: Geminid Meteors
The Geminids peak around the night of December 14–15, depending on your time zone. It is usually one of the best meteor showers of the year.
Dec 21: December Solstice
The December solstice takes place at 20:50 UTC. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year. Meanwhile in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the summer solstice and the longest day of the year.
HALIBURTON FOREST’S ASTRONOMY PROGRAM
Nestled within the Haliburton Highlands, the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve remains a beacon for stargazing enthusiasts. Even as summer fades, the pristine darkness of the Autumn Season’s sky offers an expansive canvas for celestial wonders, far from the intrusion of city lights.
Although their Astronomy Program runs through July and August, fall visitors can still book an overnight stay to experience the unobstructed beauty of the night sky. Fall’s crisp, clear nights provide an ideal setting for an unforgettable stargazing adventure.
Viewing Conditions
Before heading out, check the viewing conditions to make the most of your fall stargazing adventure. Knowing the forecast for cloud cover, clarity, and visibility will help ensure your evening under the stars is truly magical.
Did you know that the best time to observe stars and celestial objects is during a New Moon? At this time, the Moon sits between the Earth and the Sun, eliminating its bright light and providing the darkest skies for stargazing.