Planets Visible in the Sky Tonight
Sky Map
Celestial bearing and elevation at 23:44
The planets orbit the Sun at different speeds, producing changing visibility patterns from Earth. Their orbital periods and positions determine when, where, and for how long each planet appears in the sky.
Planets Visible Tonight from Your Location
Explore the planets currently visible in the night sky, including their positions, rise and set times, and observing directions from your location.
Planets That Are Currently Not Observable
These planets are not currently visible. Their cards show their positions and when they are expected to become observable again.
Pluto
Visible from sunset until early morning
Pluto is currently in the constellation Capricornus. It is now fading as it moves toward conjunction and will reach its next opposition around July 30.
Visible close approaches this year
Jupiter occulted by Moon — closest 0.16°
6 October 2026 at 01:24
The close approach will occur on 6 October 2026 at 01:24. Moon and Jupiter will be separated by roughly 0.16°. Both objects will be above the horizon and can be observed.
Mars near Moon — closest 0.97°
2 November 2026 at 04:39
The close approach will occur on 2 November 2026 at 04:39. Moon and Mars will be separated by roughly 0.97°. Both objects will be above the horizon and can be observed.
Jupiter near Moon — closest 1.05°
29 November 2026 at 23:26
The close approach will occur on 29 November 2026 at 23:26. Moon and Jupiter will be separated by roughly 1.05°. Both objects will be above the horizon and can be observed.
Jupiter near Moon — closest 1.09°
19 February 2027 at 19:57
The close approach will occur on 19 February 2027 at 19:57. Moon and Jupiter will be separated by roughly 1.09°. Both objects will be above the horizon and can be observed.
Jupiter near Moon — closest 0.87°
19 March 2027 at 00:26
The close approach will occur on 19 March 2027 at 00:26. Moon and Jupiter will be separated by roughly 0.87°. Both objects will be above the horizon and can be observed.
View all close approaches, including those not visible from your location
Upcoming Planetary Events
Discover the most captivating planetary events coming soon, including oppositions, elongations, retrograde motions, and close approaches:
- Oppositions and Greatest Elongations: At opposition a planet is opposite the Sun, at its brightest and visible all night. At greatest elongation, a planet reaches its farthest angular distance from the Sun, offering optimal viewing conditions.
- Retrograde Motions: Watch the apparent backward movement of a planet caused by the relative motions of Earth and the planet.
- Close Approaches: Planets can appear exceptionally close together in the sky, sometimes resembling a double star, while remaining far apart in space.
Keep track of these events and enjoy the ever-changing sky!
| Time | Description | Constellation |
|---|---|---|
| 28 August 2026 at 15:00 | Leo | |
| 10 September 2026 | Retrograde motion of Uranus begins | Taurus |
| 26 September 2026 | Neptune is at opposition | Pisces |
| 2 October 2026 | Retrograde motion of Venus begins | Virgo |
| 5 October 2026 | Saturn is at opposition | Cetus |
| 12 October 2026 | Greatest elongation of Mercury | Libra |
| 16 October 2026 | Retrograde motion of Pluto ends | Capricornus |
| 24 October 2026 | Retrograde motion of Mercury begins | Libra |
| 25 October 2026 at 15:00 | Virgo |