Close approach of Mercury and Moon on 12 October 2026 at 19:44
General information
The closest separation between Mercury and Moon will occur on 12 October 2026 at 19:44, when they will be separated by roughly 2.019°. Both objects will be above the horizon and can be observed.
Visibility window
The event begins when the separation drops below 5° at about 10:13, and ends when it grows beyond 5° at about 05:19. 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 8° above the horizon toward the south-west.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 | 19:44 | |
| 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 18s", Dec: -18° 58' 08s | RA: 14h 37m 40s", Dec: -20° 55' 30s |
| Distance | 0.99654 AU (149,080,262 km) | 0.00265 AU (396,434 km) |
| Angular size | 6.8" | 30' |
| Altitude (°) | 8 | 7 |
| Azimuth (°) | 251 Southwest | 249 Southwest |