Columbus Day: Today, the second Monday in October, is Columbus Day. One of the 10 holidays recognized by the federal government, Columbus Day commemorates the day Christopher Columbus arrived in North America in the year 1492.
Columbus Day has been a federal holiday since the 1930’s. Most banks are open today. However, the US Postal Service will not deliver mail and school districts in the area have given the children the day off.
Most courts and public libraries are also closed today. However, for the National Park Service, it is another typical work day, and national parks remain open to visitors.
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October 2019 celestial events: Here is a list of celestial events you won’t want to miss in October.
Oct. 20 — Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation: This is the best time to view Mercury, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look towards the western sky just after sunset.
October 21, 22 — Orionids Meteor Shower: Produced by dust grains left behind by comet Hally, the Orionids produces up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. Annually,the shower runs from Oct. 2 to Nov. 7. This year, it peaks on the night of Oct. 21 and the morning of Oct. 22. You will be able to see it best from a dark location after midnight.
Oct. 27 — Uranus at Opposition: Uranus will be at its closest approach to Earth, its face fully illuminated by the Sun. The blue-green planet will be brighter than usual throughout the night. It will only appear as a tiny dot in the sky due to its distance, except through a powerful telescope.
Oct. 27 — New Moon: Located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, the Moon will not be visible in the night sky. This phase occurs at 11:38 p.m. EDT. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.
