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Sky-Tonight.com / Solar System / Close Approaches / Close approach of Mercury and Moon
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Observation Settings

Or select it on the map:
This Earth map lets you select the observer’s location used to calculate the bearing and elevation of celestial objects. The selected point determines how the sky, rise and set times, and object positions are shown.
Your location: Santa Clara, United States
Timezone:
Latitude:
37.3541
Longitude:
-121.955

Close approach of Mercury and Moon on 11 September 2026 at 17:09

General information

Close approach of Mercury / Moon — 11 September 2026 at 17:09
The closest separation between Mercury and Moon will occur on 11 September 2026 at 17:09, when they will be separated by roughly 4.144°. The event occurs during daylight, making observation difficult.

Visibility window

The event begins when the separation drops below 5° at about 11:49, and ends when it grows beyond 5° at about 22:28. The objects can be followed during this interval when observing conditions permit.

Elevation and direction at closest approach

At closest approach, Mercury and Moon will be approximately 5° above the horizon toward the west.

Constellation

Both objects will be located in or near the constellation Virgo. This can help you locate them in the sky.

Track Mercury / Moon relative positions

Elevation (degrees)
Time1789178940
Altitude
Azimuth
Move the map to change the time and follow how the objects change position in the sky.

Close approach dynamics

The map shows the event from your location. Switch to global view for geocentric (Earth-centered) coordinates.
 

Close approach details

MercuryMoon
Time 17:09
Angular separation (°) 4.14
Geocentric coordinates RA: 12h 09m 35s", Dec: 00° 24' 27s RA: 12h 00m 20s", Dec: -3° 01' 47s
Topocentric coordinates RA: 12h 09m 35s", Dec: 00° 24' 23s RA: 11h 57m 18s", Dec: -3° 37' 09s
Distance 1.3517 AU (202,211,442 km) 0.00254 AU (379,979 km)
Angular size 5" 31'
Altitude (°) 9 4
Azimuth (°) 264 West 262 West

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