Past Moon-Planet Conjunctions 2024

~20 min
Topics:Planets & MoonsMoon
Moon near Saturn in November 2023
©Vito Technology, Inc.

From this article, you’ll learn when the planets passed near the Moon in our sky in 2024. For the upcoming conjunctions, read our other monthly-updated article.

Contents

October conjunctions

October 5: Venus near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 18:28 GMT (2:28 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 2°49'
  • Conjunction time: 20:26 GMT (4:26 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 3°18'

On October 5, the 7%-illuminated Moon and Venus (mag -4.4) will meet in the constellation Libra. The planet will be visible after sunset without any optical aid. As the event will occur two days after the New Moon, the lunar disc will be barely visible.

October 14: Saturn near the Moon; lunar occultation of Saturn

  • Occultation start: 16:03 GMT (12:03 p.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 20:12 GMT (4:12 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction time: 18:05 GMT (2:05 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 0°06'
  • Close approach time: 18:09 GMT (2:09 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°06'

On October 14, the 90%-illuminated Moon and Saturn (mag 0.7) will meet in the constellation Aquarius. The planet will rise in the evening and will be visible to the naked eye. Also, a lunar occultation of Saturn will be visible from Asia and Africa.

October 15: Neptune near the Moon; lunar occultation of Neptune

  • Occultation start: 15:11 GMT (11:11 a.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 18:57 GMT (2:57 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 17:09 GMT (1:09 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°31'

On October 15, the 96%-illuminated Moon and Neptune (mag 7.8) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will rise in the evening and will be visible in binoculars. Also, a lunar occultation of Neptune will be observable from Asia, Russia, and Africa.

October 19: Uranus near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 14:11 GMT (10:11 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°17'

On October 19, the 96%-illuminated Moon and Uranus (mag 5.7) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The bright Pleiades star cluster will also shine nearby. The planet will appear in the sky in the evening. Note that Uranus is rather faint to be observed without any optical aid, so it’s best to bring a pair of binoculars.

October 21: Jupiter near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 07:25 GMT (3:25 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 5°47'
  • Conjunction time: 08:05 GMT (4:05 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 5°48'

On October 21, the 81%-illuminated Moon and Jupiter (mag -2.6) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will rise in the evening and will be visible to the naked eye.

September conjunctions

September 1: Mercury near the Moon

  • Conjunction time: 09:17 GMT (5:17 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 5°01'
  • Close approach time: 12:36 GMT (8:36 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°36'

On September 1, the 2%-illuminated Moon and Mercury (mag -0.6) will meet in the constellation Leo. The planet will be visible before sunrise without any optical aid. As the event will occur two days before the New Moon, the lunar disc will be barely visible.

September 5: Venus near the Moon; lunar occultation of Venus

  • Occultation start: 07:51 GMT (3:51 a.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 10:05 GMT (6:05 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 09:12 GMT (5:12 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 1°02'
  • Conjunction time: 10:13 GMT (6:13 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 1°18'

On September 5, the 5%-illuminated Moon and Venus (mag -4.4) will meet in the constellation Virgo. The planet will be visible after sunset without any optical aid. As the event will occur two days after the New Moon, the lunar disc will be barely visible. Also, a lunar occultation of Venus will be visible from Antarctica and Bouvet Island.

September 17: Saturn near the Moon; lunar occultation of Saturn

  • Occultation start: 08:08 GMT (4:08 a.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 12:08 GMT (8:08 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 10:11 GMT (6:11 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°16'
  • Conjunction time: 10:14 GMT (6:14 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 0°18'

On September 17, the 99%-illuminated Moon and Saturn (mag 0.6) will meet in the constellation Aquarius. The planet will rise in the evening and will be visible to the naked eye. Also, a lunar occultation of Saturn will be visible over the western United States, Australia, western Canada, and northwestern Mexico.

September 18: Neptune near the Moon; lunar occultation of Neptune

  • Occultation start: 05:15 GMT (1:15 a.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 08:54 GMT (4:54 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 07:10 GMT (3:10 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°35'

On September 18, the Full Moon and Neptune (mag 7.8) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will rise in the evening. As Neptune will reach opposition on September 20, it will be slightly brighter than usual, but still not visible without any optical aid. Also, a lunar occultation of Neptune will be observable over Canada, the United States, Mexico, and south-eastern Alaska.

September 22: Uranus near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 05:29 GMT (01:29 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°21'

On September 22, the 77%-illuminated Moon and Uranus (mag 5.7) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The bright Pleiades star cluster will also shine nearby. The planet will appear in the sky in the evening. Note that Uranus is rather faint to be observed without any optical aid, so it’s best to bring a pair of binoculars.

September 23: Jupiter near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 22:39 GMT (6:39 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 5°49'
  • Conjunction time: 23:22 GMT (7:22 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 5°50'

On September 23, the 67%-illuminated Moon and Jupiter (mag -2.4) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will rise not long before midnight and will be visible to the naked eye.

September 25: Mars near the Moon

  • Conjunction time: 11:50 GMT (7:50 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 4°53'
  • Close approach time: 12:40 GMT (8:40 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°52'

On September 25, the 45%-illuminated Moon and Mars (mag 0.5) will meet in the constellation Gemini. The planet will rise at around midnight and will be visible to the naked eye.

August conjunctions

August 5: Venus near the Moon

  • Conjunction time: 22:04 GMT (6:04 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 1°54'
  • Close approach time: 23:24 GMT (7:54 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 1°34'

On August 5, the 1%-illuminated Moon and Venus (mag -3.8) will meet in the constellation Leo. The planet will be visible after sunset without any optical aid. The lunar crescent will be hard to observe.

August 6: Mercury near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 05:19 GMT (01:19 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 6°49'

On August 6, the 4%-illuminated Moon and Mercury (mag 1.9) will meet in the constellation Leo. The planet will be visible after sunset without any optical aid.

August 21: Saturn near the Moon; lunar occultation of Saturn

  • Occultation start: 00:44 GMT (August 20, 8:44 p.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 04:38 GMT (12:38 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 02:45 GMT (10:45 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°25'
  • Conjunction time: 02:54 GMT (10:54 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 0°24'

On August 21, the 97%-illuminated Moon and Saturn (mag 0.7) will meet in the constellation Aquarius. The planet will rise in the evening and will be visible to the naked eye. Also, a lunar occultation of Saturn will be visible over Europe and the northern parts of Africa and South America.

August 21: Neptune near the Moon; lunar occultation of Neptune

  • Occultation start: 19:59 GMT (3:59 p.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 23:37 GMT
  • Close approach time: 21:54 GMT (5:54 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°37'

On August 21, the 97%-illuminated Moon and Neptune (mag 7.9) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will rise in the evening and will be visible in binoculars. Also, a lunar occultation of Neptune will be observable over Africa, Europe, and Asia.

August 25: Uranus near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 22:15 GMT (6:15 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°16'

On August 25, the 63%-illuminated Moon and Uranus (mag 5.8) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will appear in the sky in the evening, just before midnight. Note that Uranus is rather faint to be observed without any optical aid, so it’s best to bring a pair of binoculars.

August 27: Jupiter near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 11:50 GMT (7:50 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 5°38'
  • Conjunction time: 12:45 GMT (8:45 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 5°40'

On August 27, the 40%-illuminated Moon and Jupiter (mag -2.3) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will rise at midnight and will be visible to the naked eye.

August 28: Mars near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 00:00 GMT (August 27, 8:00 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 5°16'
  • Conjunction time: 00:23 GMT (August 27, 8:23 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 5°16'

On August 28, the 30%-illuminated Moon and Mars (mag 0.8) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will rise at around midnight and will be visible to the naked eye.

July conjunctions

July 1: Mars near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 16:19 GMT (12:19 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°50'
  • Conjunction time: 18:27 GMT (2:27 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 4°12'

On July 1, the 24%-illuminated Moon and Mars (mag 1.0) will meet in the constellation Aries. The planet will rise three hours before sunrise and will be visible to the naked eye.

July 2: Uranus near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 08:29 GMT (4:29 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°47'

On July 2, the 14%-illuminated Moon and Uranus (mag 5.8) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will rise three hours before the Sun. Note that Uranus is rather faint to be observed without any optical aid, so it’s best to bring a pair of binoculars.

July 3: Jupiter near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 07:05 GMT (3:05 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°55'
  • Conjunction time: 08:29 GMT (4:29 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 5°01'

On July 3, the 7%-illuminated Moon and Jupiter (mag -2.0) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will be observable in the morning, before sunrise, and will be visible to the naked eye. The lunar crescent will be hard to observe.

July 6: Venus near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 16:27 GMT (12:27 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°47'

On July 6, the 1%-illuminated Moon and Venus will meet in the constellation Gemini. The planet will set right after the Sun and will be hard to observe, as well as the almost invisible lunar disc.

July 7: Mercury near the Moon

  • Conjunction time: 16:04 GMT (12:04 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 3°18'
  • Close approach time: 20:23 GMT (4:23 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°05'

On July 7, the 3%-illuminated Moon and Mercury (mag -0.2) will meet in the constellation Cancer. The planet will be visible after sunset without any optical aid.

July 24: Saturn near the Moon; lunar occultation of Saturn

  • Close approach time: 20:31 GMT (4:31 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°21'
  • Conjunction time: 20:38 GMT (4:38 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 0°24'

On July 24, the 90%-illuminated Moon and Saturn (mag 0.9) will meet in the constellation Aquarius. The planet will rise an hour before midnight and will be visible to the naked eye. Also, a lunar occultation of Saturn will be visible over the eastern parts of Africa and southern parts of Asia.

July 29: Uranus near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 15:47 GMT (11:47 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°03'

On July 29, the 37%-illuminated Moon and Uranus (mag 5.8) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will rise after midnight. Note that Uranus is rather faint to be observed without any optical aid, so it’s best to bring a pair of binoculars.

July 30: Mars near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 09:01 GMT (5:01 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°55'
  • Conjunction time: 10:30 GMT (6:30 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 5°01'

On July 30, the 26%-illuminated Moon and Mars (mag 0.9) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will rise after midnight and will be visible to the naked eye.

July 30: Jupiter near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 22:45 GMT (6:45 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 5°19'
  • Conjunction time: 23:54 GMT (7:54 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 5°22'

On July 30, the 26%-illuminated Moon and Jupiter (mag -2.1) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will rise an hour after midnight and will be visible to the naked eye.

June conjunctions

June 1: Neptune next to the Moon; lunar occultation of Neptune

  • Occultation start: 00:47 GMT (May 31, 8:47 p.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 05:02 GMT (01:02 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 02:55 GMT (May 31, 22:55 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°01'

On June 1, the 32%-illuminated Moon and Neptune (mag 7.9) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will rise two hours before sunrise and will be visible in binoculars. Also, a lunar occultation of Neptune will be observable over the southern parts of Africa and Asia.

June 2: Mars near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 22:04 GMT (6:04 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 2°10'
  • Conjunction time: 23:37 GMT (7:37 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 2°24'

On June 2, the 21%-illuminated Moon and Mars (mag 1.1) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will rise two hours before sunrise and will be visible to the naked eye.

June 4: Uranus near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 23:04 GMT (7:04 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°34'

On June 4, the 5%-illuminated Moon and Uranus (mag 5.8) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will be observable in the morning, right before sunrise. Note that Uranus is rather faint to be observed without any optical aid, so it’s best to bring a pair of binoculars.

June 5: Jupiter near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 12:49 GMT (8:49 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°31'
  • Conjunction time: 14:26 GMT (10:26 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 4°40'

On June 5, the 1%-illuminated Moon and Jupiter (mag -2.0) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will rise just an hour before the Sun and will be hard to observe, as well as the almost invisible lunar disc.

June 5: Mercury near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 16:46 GMT (12:46 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°32'

On June 5, the 1%-illuminated Moon and Mercury (mag -0.9) will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will rise just before sunrise and will be hard to observe, as well as the almost invisible lunar disc.

June 6: Venus near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 13:36 GMT (9:36 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°30'

On June 6, the New Moon and Venus will meet in the constellation Taurus. The planet will be unobservable as it will be very close to the Sun in the sky. The lunar disc will also be invisible.

June 27: Saturn near the Moon; lunar occultation of Saturn

  • Occultation start: 12:48 GMT (8:48 a.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 17:03 GMT (1:03 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction time: 14:52 GMT (10:52 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 0°06'
  • Close approach time: 14:57 GMT (10:57 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°04'

On June 27, the 69%-illuminated Moon and Saturn (mag 1.1) will meet in the constellation Aquarius. The planet will rise at midnight and will be visible to the naked eye. Also, a lunar occultation of Saturn will be visible over the Pacific Ocean and the southern parts of South America.

June 28: Neptune next to the Moon; lunar occultation of Neptune

  • Occultation start: 06:37 GMT (2:37 a.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 10:47 GMT
  • Close approach time: 08:45 GMT (4:45 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°16'

On June 28, the 58%-illuminated Moon and Neptune (mag 7.9) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will rise at about midnight and will be visible in binoculars. Also, a lunar occultation of Neptune will be observable over the northern parts of South America and Africa, and the western part of Europe.

May conjunctions

May 3: Saturn next to the Moon; lunar occultation of Saturn

  • Occultation start: 21:27 GMT (5:27 p.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 23:10 GMT (7:10 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction time: 22:26 GMT (6:27 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 0°48'
  • Close approach time: 23:05 GMT (7:05 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°45'

On May 3, the 32.3%-illuminated Moon and Saturn (mag 1.2) will meet in the constellation Aquarius. The planet will rise in the morning and will be visible to the naked eye. Also, a lunar occultation of Saturn will be visible from Antarctica.

May 4: Neptune next to the Moon; lunar occultation of Neptune

  • Occultation start: 17:05 GMT (1:05 p.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 21:11 GMT (5:11 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 19:06 GMT
  • Close approach distance: 0°15'

On May 4, the 21.6%-illuminated Moon and Neptune (mag 7.9) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will rise just before the Sun and will be visible in binoculars. Also, a lunar occultation of Neptune will be observable over the Atlantic Ocean.

May 5: Mars next to the Moon; lunar occultation of Mars

  • Occultation start: 00:05 GMT (May 4, 8:05 p.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 04:26 GMT (00:26 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 02:17 GMT (May 4, 10:17 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°10'
  • Conjunction time: 02:26 GMT (May 4, 10:26 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 0°12'

On May 5, the 12.4%-illuminated Moon and Mars (mag 1.2) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will rise in the morning and will be visible to the naked eye. Also, a lunar occultation of Mars will be observable over South East Asia.

May 6: Mercury next to the Moon

  • Close approach time: 05:57 GMT (1:57 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°24'
  • Conjunction time: 08:25 GMT (4:25 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 3°48'

On May 6, the 5.4%-illuminated Moon and Mercury (mag 0.6) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will rise just before sunrise and will be visible to the naked eye.

May 7: Venus next to the Moon

  • Close approach time: 14:05 GMT (10:05 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°14'

On May 7, the 1.2%-illuminated Moon and Venus (mag -3.9) will meet in the constellation Aries. The planet will rise in the morning, not long before the Sun, and will be visible to the naked eye. The lunar crescent will be hard to observe.

May 8: Uranus next to the Moon

  • Close approach time: 11:19 GMT (7:19 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°26'

On May 8, the New Moon and Uranus (mag 5.8) will meet in the constellation Aries. The planet will be observable in the evening, after sunset. Note that Uranus is rather faint to be observed without any optical aid, so it’s best to bring a pair of binoculars. The Moon, unfortunately, won’t be visible.

May 8: Jupiter next to the Moon

  • Close approach time: 16:30 GMT (12:30 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 4°08'

On May 8, the New Moon and Jupiter (mag -2.0) will meet in the constellation Aries. The planet will be observable in the evening, after sunset, and will be visible to the naked eye. The Moon, unfortunately, won’t be visible.

May 31: Saturn next to the Moon; lunar occultation of Saturn

  • Occultation start: 06:23 GMT (2:23 a.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 10:30 GMT (4:30 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction time: 08:01 GMT (4:01 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 0°24'
  • Close approach time: 08:24 GMT (4:24 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°20'

On May 31, the 46.7%-illuminated Moon and Saturn (mag 1.2) will meet in the constellation Aquarius. The planet will rise in the morning and will be visible to the naked eye next to the half-lit lunar disk. Also, a lunar occultation of Saturn will be visible over the South Atlantic Ocean and Southern Africa.

April conjunctions

April 6: Mars next to the Moon

  • Conjunction time: 03:51 GMT (April 5, 11:51 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 2°
  • Close approach time: 05:08 GMT (1:08 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 1°46'

On April 6, the 8.8%-illuminated Moon and Mars (mag 1.2) will meet in the constellation Aquarius. The planet will rise just before the Sun and will be visible to the naked eye.

April 6: Saturn next to the Moon; lunar occultation of Saturn

  • Occultation start: 09:11 GMT (5:11 a.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 11:26 GMT (7:26 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction time: 09:20 GMT (5:20 a.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 1°12'
  • Close approach time: 10:10 GMT (6:10 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 1°05'

On April 6, the 8.8%-illuminated Moon and Saturn (mag 1.1) will meet in the constellation Aquarius. The planet will rise just before the Sun and will be visible to the naked eye. Also, a lunar occultation of Saturn will be observable from Antarctica.

April 7: Neptune next to the Moon; lunar occultation of Neptune

  • Occultation start: 06:31 GMT (2:31 a.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 10:28 GMT (6:28 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 08:27 GMT (4:27 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°22'

On April 7, the 3.0%-illuminated Moon and Neptune (mag 8.0) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will rise just before the Sun and will be visible in binoculars. Also, a lunar occultation of Neptune will be observable over the southern part of the Atlantic Ocean.

April 7: Venus next to the Moon; lunar occultation of Venus

  • Occultation start: 14:08 GMT (10:28 a.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 18:27 GMT (2:28 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 16:22 GMT (12:22 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°21'
  • Conjunction time: 16:39 GMT (12:39 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 0°24'

On April 7, the 3.0%-illuminated Moon and Venus (mag -3.8) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will rise just before the Sun and will be visible to the naked eye. Also, a lunar occultation of Venus will be observable from North America.

April 9: Mercury next to the Moon

  • Close approach time: 02:39 GMT (April 8, 10:39 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 1°57'

On April 9, the New Moon and Mercury (mag 5.1) will meet in the constellation Pisces. The planet will be observable in the evening, at sunset. The Moon, unfortunately, won’t be visible. Note Mercury will be retrograde at the moment of the close approach.

April 10: Jupiter next to the Moon

  • Close approach time: 19:19 GMT (3:19 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°45'
  • Conjunction time: 21:08 GMT (5:08 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 4°

On April 10, the 4.3%-illuminated Moon and Jupiter (mag -2.0) will meet in the constellation Aries. The planet will be observable in the evening, after sunset, and will be visible to the naked eye.

April 10: Uranus next to the Moon

  • Close approach time: 22:18 GMT (6:18 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°22'

On April 10, the 4.3%-illuminated Moon and Uranus (mag 5.8) will meet in the constellation Aries. The planet will be observable in the evening, after sunset; Jupiter will also shine nearby. Note that Uranus is rather faint to be observed without any optical aid, so it’s best to bring a pair of binoculars.

March conjunctions

March 8: Mars near the Moon

  • Conjunction time: 04:59 GMT (March 8, 11:59 p.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 3°35'
  • Close approach time: 06:51 GMT (1:51 a.m. EST)
  • Close approach distance: 3°17'

On March 8, the 4.8%-illuminated Moon and Mars (mag 1.3) will meet in the constellation Capricornus. The planet will rise almost simultaneously with the Sun and will hardly be observable. The Moon will also be barely visible as the event will occur two days before the New Moon.

March 8: Venus near the Moon

  • Conjunction time: 17:01 GMT (12:01 p.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 3°12'
  • Close approach time: 18:56 GMT (1:56 p.m. EST)
  • Close approach distance: 3°00'

On March 8, the 4.8%-illuminated Moon and Venus (mag -3.9) will meet in the constellation Capricornus. The planet will rise almost simultaneously with the Sun and will hardly be observable. The Moon will also be barely visible as the event will occur two days before the New Moon.

March 10: Lunar occultation of Neptune

  • Occultation start: 17:54 GMT (1:54 p.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 21:44 GMT (5:44 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 19:45 GMT (3:45 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°28'

On March 10, the 0.2%-illuminated Moon will be passing in front of Neptune. The occultation will be visible from South America; the rest of the world will see the planet and the Moon close to each other. The event will be hard to observe as both objects will be close to the Sun.

March 11: Lunar occultation of Mercury

  • Occultation start: 01:42 GMT (March 10, 9:42 p.m. EDT)
  • Occultation end: 05:04 GMT (1:04 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach time: 03:15 GMT (March 10, 11:15 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 0°54'

On March 11, the 2.9%-illuminated Moon will be passing in front of Mercury (mag -1.3). The occultation will be visible from New Zealand; the rest of the world will see the planet and the Moon close to each other. As the event closely coincides with the New Moon, our natural satellite will be almost invisible. Mercury will rise during the daytime and set an hour after the Sun.

March 13: Jupiter near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 22:44 GMT (6:44 p.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°19'
  • Conjunction time: March 14, 01:01 GMT (March 13, 9:01 p.m. EDT)
  • Conjunction distance: 3°36'

On March 13, the 16.6%-illuminated Moon and Jupiter (mag -2.1) will meet in the constellation Aries. It’s best to start observations in the evening, just after sunset: by that time, the duo will be going down after passing the highest point in the sky. Both the Moon and the planet will shine bright enough to be seen with the unaided eye.

March 14: Uranus near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 10:00 GMT (6:00 a.m. EDT)
  • Close approach distance: 3°15'

On March 14, the 26.3%-illuminated Moon and Uranus will meet in the constellation Aries. Both objects will rise during the daytime and climb the highest in the sky by sunset. Uranus is rather faint to be observed without any optical aid, so it’s best to bring a pair of binoculars.

February conjunctions

February 7: Venus near the Moon

  • Conjunction time: 18:52 GMT (1:52 p.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 5°24'
  • Close approach time: 20:12 GMT (3:12 p.m. EST)
  • Close approach distance: 5°22'

On February 7, the 8.1%-illuminated Moon and Venus (mag -3.9) will meet in the constellation Sagittarius. The planet will be visible in the predawn sky next to the thin lunar crescent. It’s best to observe the event with the naked eye.

February 8: Mars near the Moon

  • Conjunction time: 06:30 GMT (1:30 a.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 4°12'
  • Close approach time: 07:52 GMT (2:52 a.m. EST)
  • Close approach distance: 4°07'

On February 8, the 2.8%-illuminated Moon and Mars (mag 1.3) will meet in the constellation Sagittarius. The planet will rise in the morning, about an hour before the Sun. Observe the event with the naked eye or a pair of binoculars.

February 8: Mercury near the Moon

  • Conjunction time: 22:00 GMT (5:00 p.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 3°12'
  • Close approach time: 23:25 GMT (6:25 p.m. EST)
  • Close approach distance: 3°05'

On February 8, the 2.8%-illuminated Moon and Mercury (mag -1.3) will meet in the constellation Capricornus. The planet will rise almost simultaneously with the Sun and will likely be lost in its glare. The Moon will also be barely visible as the event will occur two days before the New Moon.

February 11: Saturn near the Moon

  • Conjunction time: 00:40 GMT (February 10, 7:40 p.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 1°48'
  • Close approach time: 01:45 GMT (February 10, 8:45 p.m. EST)
  • Close approach distance: 1°38'

On February 11, the 5%-illuminated Moon and Saturn (mag 1.0) will meet in the constellation Aquarius. As the event will happen the day after the New Moon, our natural satellite will be unobservable. The ringed planet will be visible in the evening sky for a couple of hours after sunset.

February 12: Lunar occultation of Neptune

  • Occultation start: 05:27 GMT (12:27 a.m. EST)
  • Occultation end: 09:06 GMT (4:06 a.m. EST)
  • Close approach time: 07:11 GMT (2:11 a.m. EST)
  • Close approach distance: 0°36'

On February 12, the 11.8%-illuminated Moon will be passing in front of Neptune. The occultation will be visible from Australia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia; the rest of the world will see the planet and the Moon close to each other. Note that Neptune is too faint to be observed without any optics.

February 15: Jupiter near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 06:05 GMT (1:05 a.m. EST)
  • Close approach distance: 2°53'
  • Conjunction time: 08:15 GMT (3:15 a.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 3°12'

On February 15, the 42.5%-illuminated Moon and Jupiter (mag -2.3) will meet in the constellation Aries. You can start observations right after sunset, as both objects will be high in the sky by that time. Both the Moon and the planet will shine bright enough to be seen with the unaided eye.

February 16: Uranus near the Moon

  • Close approach time: 00:27 GMT (February 15, 7:27 p.m. EST)
  • Close approach distance: 3°3'

On February 16, the 53.7%-illuminated Moon and Uranus will meet in the constellation Aries. Both objects will rise during the daytime and climb the highest in the sky by sunset. Uranus is rather faint to be observed without any optical aid, so it’s best to bring a pair of binoculars.

January conjunctions

January 8: Moon near Venus

  • Conjunction time: 20:15 GMT (3:15 p.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 5°42'

On January 8, the Moon and Venus will share the same right ascension. Observe the scene in the early morning, about 2 hours before sunrise. The Moon will be in the constellation Scorpius, and Venus – in the neighboring constellation Ophiuchus.

January 9: Moon near Mercury

  • Conjunction time: 18:49 GMT (1:49 p.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 6°35'

On January 9, the Moon and Mercury will share the same right ascension. Mercury will rise in the morning, about an hour and a half before the Sun. Both the Moon and the planet will be in the constellation Ophiuchus.

January 10: Moon near Mars

  • Conjunction time: 08:32 GMT (3:32 a.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 4°09'

On January 10, the Moon and Mars will share the same right ascension. Mars will rise an hour before dawn, and will mostly be in the daytime sky. Both the Moon and the planet will be in the constellation Sagittarius.

January 14: Moon near Saturn

  • Conjunction time: 09:31 GMT (4:31 a.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 4°09'
  • Close approach time: 11:02 GMT (6:02 a.m. EST)
  • Close approach distance: 1°56'

On January 14, the Moon and Saturn will come the closest to each other in the sky. Saturn will stay in the sky for about 3 hours after sunset. Both the Moon and the planet will be in the constellation Aquarius.

January 15: lunar occultation of Neptune

On January 15, the Moon will be passing in front of Neptune. The occultation will be visible from Saint Helena; the rest of the world will see the planet and the Moon close to each other.

January 18: Moon near Jupiter

  • Close approach time: 18:42 GMT (1:42 p.m. EST)
  • Close approach distance: 2°31'
  • Conjunction time: 20:40 GMT (3:40 p.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 2°46'

On January 18, the Moon and Jupiter will come the closest to each other in the sky. The bright planet will be visible near the half-lit Moon in the evening. Both the Moon and the planet will be in the constellation Aries.

January 19: Moon near Uranus

  • Conjunction time: 18:11 GMT (1:11 p.m. EST)
  • Conjunction distance: 2°47'

On January 19, the Moon and Uranus will share the same right ascension. The dim planet is hard to spot with the unaided eye; binoculars or a telescope will help to find it in the sky.

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