Close approach of Mercury and Moon on 12 October 2026 at 09:44
General information
The closest separation between Mercury and Moon will occur on 12 October 2026 at 09:44, when they will be separated by roughly 2.019°. The event occurs during daylight, making observation difficult.
Visibility window
The event begins when the separation drops below 5° at about 00:13, and ends when it grows beyond 5° at about 19:19. 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 21° above the horizon toward the south-east.Constellation
Both objects will be located in or near the constellation Libra. This can help you locate them in the sky.Track Mercury / Moon relative positions
| Time | 1791830640 |
| 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
| Mercury | Moon | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 09:44 | |
| Angular separation (°) | 2.02 | |
| Geocentric coordinates | RA: 14h 44m 19s", Dec: -18° 58' 07s | RA: 14h 41m 35s", Dec: -20° 52' 55s |
| Topocentric coordinates | RA: 14h 44m 19s", Dec: -18° 58' 14s | RA: 14h 43m 37s", Dec: -21° 36' 28s |
| Distance | 0.99654 AU (149,080,262 km) | 0.00265 AU (396,434 km) |
| Angular size | 6.8" | 30' |
| Altitude (°) | 22 | 20 |
| Azimuth (°) | 138 Southeast | 140 Southeast |