Past Moon-Planet Conjunctions 2026
~1 min
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.
Text Credit:Vito Technology, Inc.
