Close approach of Saturn and Moon on 17 December 2026 at 19:39
General information
The closest separation between Saturn and Moon will occur on 17 December 2026 at 19:39, when they will be separated by roughly 6.173°. Both objects will be above the horizon and can be observed.
Visibility window
The event begins when the separation drops below 8° at about 10:13, and ends when it grows beyond 8° at about 04:55. 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 49° above the horizon toward the south-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 |
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
| Saturn | Moon | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 19:39 | |
| 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 38s", Dec: 05° 51' 33s |
| Distance | 9.1619 AU (1,370,600,732 km) | 0.00257 AU (384,467 km) |
| Angular size | 18.1" | 31' |
| Altitude (°) | 46 | 49 |
| Azimuth (°) | 220 Southwest | 228 Southwest |