What is a conjunction of the moon and a planet?
A conjunction of the moon and a planet is an astronomical event in which the moon and a planet appear close together in the sky.
In rare cases, during a conjunction, the moon passes directly in front of a planet, creating a lunar occultation. In our dedicated article, you can find details about upcoming lunar occultations of planets.
The planets are actually far apart in space compared to the moon. However, they appear close together in the sky because the moon and the planets follow a similar path across the sky, known as the ecliptic.
How often does a conjunction of the moon and a planet occur?
A conjunction of the moon and a planet occurs roughly once a month.
The moon takes about 27.322 days to orbit Earth relative to the background stars. However, during that time, a planet moves slightly along the ecliptic from its previous position.
For fast-moving planets like Mercury and Venus, the moon takes about 30 days to meet the planet in the sky.
For slow-moving planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, the moon takes a little over 27.322 days to meet the planet in the sky.
September 8 morning: The moon near Jupiter
On the early morning of September 8, the thin waning crescent moon will appear near Jupiter, the second-brightest planet in the sky. They will rise about 3 hours before sunrise. Also, look for Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, shining below the moon and Jupiter.
Observers in eastern Russia, Canada, most of the U.S., the Caribbean, and Greenland will witness the moon passing directly in front of Jupiter on September 8, 2026, resulting in a lunar occultation of Jupiter.
September 14 evening: The moon near Venus
Shortly after sunset on September 14, the thin waxing crescent moon will appear near Venus, the brightest planet in the sky. They will set about an hour after sunset. Also, look for Earthshine on the unlit part of the moon.
Through a telescope, Venus will appear 29% illuminated, exhibiting its waning crescent phase.
September 26 evening: The moon near Saturn
On the evening of September 26, the full Harvest Moon will appear near Saturn. They will rise around sunset and remain visible throughout the night until dawn.
Through a telescope, Saturn’s rings will appear slightly open, tilted about 7.7° relative to our line of sight.
October 5 morning: The moon near Mars
On the early morning of October 5, the waning crescent moon will appear near Mars. They will rise about an hour after midnight. Also, look for bright Jupiter below the moon and Mars.
Please bookmark Spaceandtelescope.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get latest space news, upcoming skywatching events and astronomy-related content.
