Close Approach of Mercury and Saturn at Mon, 20 April 2026, 01:29
General information
The closest separation between Mercury and Saturn will occur on Mon, 20 April 2026, 01:29, when they will be separated by roughly 0.46°. 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 1.5°, around 01:30, and ends when their separation grows beyond 1.5°, around 00:59. Observers can see them in the sky during this interval.Elevation & direction at closest approach
At the moment of closest approach, Mercury and Saturn will be approximately -14° above the horizon, in the West-Northwest.Constellation
At the time of the closest approach, both objects will be located in or near the constellation Cetus, 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
| Mercury | Saturn | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 01:29 | |
| Angular separation (°) | 0.46 | |
| Geocentric Coordinates | RA: 00h 33m 16s", Dec: 00° 44' 50s | RA: 00h 32m 31s", Dec: 01° 10' 02s |
| Topocentric Coordinates | RA: 00h 33m 16s", Dec: 00° 44' 45s | RA: 00h 32m 31s", Dec: 01° 10' 02s |
| Distance | 1.1203 AU (167,594,495 km) | 10.405 AU (1,556,565,845 km) |
| Angular Size | 6" | 16" |
| Altitude (°) | -15 | -14 |
| Azimuth (°) | -77 West-Northwest | -77 West-Northwest |
Track Mercury and Saturn Relative Positions
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| Altitude | |
| Azimuth |
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