Close Approach of Mars and Neptune at Sun, 12 April 2026, 23:13
General information
The closest separation between Mars and Neptune will occur on Sun, 12 April 2026, 23:13, when they will be separated by roughly 0.053°. The close approach occurs while both objects are below the horizon and cannot be observed.
Visibility window
The close approach begins when their separation drops below 1°, around 14:00, and ends when their separation grows beyond 1°, around 07:01. Observers can see them in the sky during this interval.Elevation & direction at closest approach
At the moment of closest approach, Mars and Neptune will be approximately -41° above the horizon, in the Northwest.Constellation
At the time of the closest approach, both objects will be located in or near the constellation Pisces, making it easier to locate them in the night sky.Close Approch Dynamics
The map shows the event as it appears from your location. You can switch to Global view to see geocentric (Earth-centered) coordinates.
Close Approach Details
| Mars | Neptune | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 23:13 | |
| Angular separation (°) | 0.05 | |
| Geocentric Coordinates | RA: 00h 11m 45s", Dec: 00° 11' 37s | RA: 00h 11m 50s", Dec: 00° 08' 43s |
| Topocentric Coordinates | RA: 00h 11m 45s", Dec: 00° 11' 35s | RA: 00h 11m 50s", Dec: 00° 08' 43s |
| Distance | 2.2753 AU (340,380,035 km) | 30.817 AU (4,610,157,581 km) |
| Angular Size | 4.1" | 2.2" |
| Altitude (°) | -41 | -41 |
| Azimuth (°) | -49 Northwest | -49 Northwest |
Track Mars and Neptune Relative Positions
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| Altitude | |
| Azimuth |
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