Sept and Oct Skies Above Oregon, Washington, Coast: Meteors, Odd Dawn But No Eclipse

Published 09/03/25 at 7:15 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) - Fall and colder weather may be swooping in but the skies above Oregon, Washington and the coastlines are waiting for no one. Meteor showers should put on a good show in October, the Zodiacal Light is a rarity you really must try to photograph, and the next two full moons have some interesting aspects. (Above: long exposure with the moon at Seaside by Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Yes, that's a Star Trek font.)

Meanwhile, Oregon and Washington coastal areas usually get what's called the "second summer" right about now, often lasting through mid October. While not guaranteed, if those trends keep up you'll find beach towns with clearer skies at night. See Get Ready for 'Second Summer' on Oregon Coast, Washington Coast: Best Weather of the Year

It's a dynamic mix of seasonal highlights.

Jim Todd, astronomy educator with Portland’s OMSI, notes that the region’s next two full moons are closely tied to the autumn equinox, bringing both traditional significance and visual impact. The Corn Moon will reach its peak on Sunday, September 7.

Cannon Beach / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

For those in Oregon and Washington towns like Seattle, Port Orford, Newport, Ashland, Spokane or Eugene, Pacific Northwest inland and coastal towns will miss out on something big.

“A few hours earlier, the full moon will have traveled through earth’s shadow, causing a total lunar eclipse visible from Antarctica, Asia, Russia, Africa, Oceania and Europe,” Todd told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. “Two weeks later, it will cross the ecliptic as a new moon, causing a solar eclipse, or vice versa. On September 21 nearly two weeks after a total lunar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse will be seen from New Zealand, the South Pacific and Antarctica.”

Many around the world will see this - but not us (Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Corn Moon traditionally marks the late summer corn harvest, a name used by several Native American cultures to describe the full moon of August or September. In 2025, the Harvest Moon falls on Monday, October 6, earning its title as the full moon nearest the equinox on September 22.

“This year's Harvest Moon is also a supermoon, making it appear larger and brighter in the night sky,” Todd said.

Zolt LeVay Photography - False Dawn in Arizona, bumping into the Milky Way

It's an effect that historically aided farmers during late-night harvests.

Adding to the seasonal intrigue is the return of the Zodiacal Light, a faint, cone-shaped glow visible in the hour before sunrise through early November. Often called the “False Dawn,” this ethereal phenomenon resembles a distant city’s glow or a pillar of light and is best viewed between 3:30 and 4:30 a.m.

Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather  - Inland Oregon Weather

Eastern Oregon and Washington offer better conditions than the beach towns – but they're dark enough you should still try to photograph this if you can. Coast Range mountains or hills above beaches may block the view.

In spring, the Zodiacal Light appears in the western sky and is known as the “False Dusk.”

Meteor activity also ramps up this season. Darker coastal areas like Long Beach, Ruby Beach. Westport, Coos Bay, Manzanita's Neahkahnie Overlooks or Yachats can be prime for such a show.

NASA photo of shooting stars set over Manzanita photo of meteor streak

The Orionid meteor shower, active from October 2 to November 12, typically produces 10 to 20 meteors per hour at its peak.

Later in the season, the Southern Taurids will take center stage. This complex shower includes an annual component peaking on October 14 and a fireball swarm expected to peak on November 4. Astronomers anticipate an active year for the Taurids, which are known for producing bright fireballs and increased meteor reports throughout the fall. Astronomy News, Updates from Oregon Coast, Washington Coast

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