Close approach of Saturn and Moon on 18 December 2026 at 05:39
General information
The closest separation between Saturn and Moon will occur on 18 December 2026 at 05:39, when they will be separated by roughly 6.173°. Both objects will be below the horizon and cannot be observed.
Visibility window
The event begins when the separation drops below 8° at about 20:13, and ends when it grows beyond 8° at about 14:55. The objects can be followed during this interval when observing conditions permit.Elevation and direction at closest approach
At closest approach, Saturn and Moon will be approximately -60° above the horizon toward the north-west.Constellation
Both objects will be located in or near the constellation Cetus. This can help you locate them in the sky.Track Saturn / Moon relative positions
| Time | 1797568740 |
| Altitude | |
| Azimuth |
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Close approach dynamics
The map shows the event from your location. Switch to global view for geocentric (Earth-centered) coordinates.
Close approach details
| Saturn | Moon | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 05:39 | |
| Angular separation (°) | 6.17 | |
| Geocentric coordinates | RA: 00h 33m 16s", Dec: 00° 51' 13s | RA: 00h 22m 08s", Dec: 06° 21' 56s |
| Topocentric coordinates | RA: 00h 33m 16s", Dec: 00° 51' 13s | RA: 00h 20m 18s", Dec: 06° 16' 28s |
| Distance | 9.1619 AU (1,370,600,732 km) | 0.00257 AU (384,467 km) |
| Angular size | 18.1" | 31' |
| Altitude (°) | -58 | -61 |
| Azimuth (°) | 272 West | 283 Northwest |