October is a great month for stargazing on a grand scale, for this month the Andromeda galaxy slides into prime position. This, our nearest major galaxy, is just waiting to be discovered and installed at number one in your list of favorite stargazing objects. It looks impressive through any optics, including the naked eye, but by pointing binoculars and a telescope at it you'll be able to compare their capabilities. Another rewarding find is the Triangulum galaxy nearby, while a bevy of double stars, a suite of water-related constellations and the chance of some remote planets will fill-up the ever-earlier observing sessions that fall brings. We’ll also photograph the Moon, not with expensive astrophotography equipment, but with just a smartphone. The results will astound you.