October is a great month to look up, according to NASA's monthly skywatching guide.

Saturn reaches opposition on October 4, meaning it is directly opposite the Sun from Earth's view. The ringed planet will be at its brightest and visible all night long — a prime target for binoculars and small telescopes.

On October 6, a thin crescent Moon appears close to bright Jupiter before sunrise, a lovely sight for early risers. NASA's video guide also highlights a 10-sided atmospheric wave around Saturn's south pole recently revealed by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Later in the month, the Orionid meteor shower peaks on the nights of October 21 and 22. The Orionids are debris from Halley's Comet and can produce bright, fast meteors, though moonlight may wash out some fainter streaks this year.

The month wraps up with the Moon gliding near the Pleiades star cluster, also called the Seven Sisters, on October 27 and 28 — a pretty sight even with the naked eye.

NASA notes that dark skies away from city lights give the best views, and no special equipment is needed to enjoy most of October's highlights.