Past Moon-Planet Conjunctions 2026
From this article, you’ll learn when the planets passed near the Moon in our sky in 2026. For the upcoming conjunctions, read our other monthly-updated article.
Contents
Planets next to the Moon in January 2026
January 18-19, 2026: Moon near Mars, Mercury, and Venus
On January 18 and 19, the Moon in its new phase (0% illuminated) will pass near three planets — Mars (mag 1.1), Mercury (mag -1.2), and Venus (mag -3.9). Unfortunately, all of these objects will be too close to the Sun to be observable.
January 19: Moon near Pluto
- Close approach time: 04:27 GMT
- Close approach distance: 0°44'
- Conjunction time: 04:56 GMT
- Conjunction distance: 0°45'
On January 19, the Moon in its new phase (0% illuminated) will get extremely close to the dwarf planet Pluto (mag 14.5) in the sky. In some locations, the Moon will even cover Pluto — this phenomenon is known as a lunar occultation. However, both objects will be too close to the Sun to be observable.
January 23: Moon near Saturn
- Close approach time: 08:57 GMT
- Close approach distance: 3°49'
- Conjunction time: 12:40 GMT
- Conjunction distance: 4°22'
On January 23, the 21%-illuminated Moon will pass close to Saturn (mag 1.0) in the sky. Both objects will be in the constellation Pisces. You can observe them with the naked eye or through binoculars — look above the western–southwestern horizon after sunset. If you have a telescope, you can also spot Neptune (mag 7.8) nearby.
January 23: Moon near Neptune
- Close approach time: 12:48 GMT
- Close approach distance: 3°08'
- Conjunction time: 15:49 GMT
- Conjunction distance: 3°34'
On January 23, the 22%-illuminated Moon will be close to Neptune (mag 7.8) in the sky. You can observe Neptune through powerful binoculars or a telescope in the constellation Pisces. Bright Saturn (mag 1.0) will also be nearby, easily visible to the naked eye.
January 27: Moon near Uranus
- Close approach time: 16:33 GMT
- Close approach distance: 5°16'
- Conjunction time: 18:46 GMT
- Conjunction distance: 5°26'
On January 27, the 67%-illuminated Moon will pass near Uranus (mag 5.7) in the constellation Taurus. To observe Uranus (especially when it’s close to the bright Moon), you’ll need powerful binoculars or a small telescope.
As a bonus, the Pleiades star cluster (mag 1.2) will also shine near the Moon. Observers across Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, and parts of western Asia will see a lunar occultation of the Pleiades.
January 31: Moon near Jupiter
- Conjunction time: 02:30 GMT
- Conjunction distance: 3°50'
- Close approach time: 03:38 GMT
- Close approach distance: 3°47'
On January 31, the 95%-illuminated Moon will be close to Jupiter (mag -2.6) in the sky. Observe them with the naked eye or through a pair of binoculars in the constellation Gemini. Both objects will be high in the sky already at sunset and will be visible almost until dawn.
