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.
August 3 morning: The moon near Saturn
On the early morning of August 3, the waning gibbous moon will appear near Saturn. They will rise shortly before midnight and visible through dawn.
Through a telescope, Saturn’s rings will appear slightly open, tilted about 9.1° relative to our line of sight.
August 9 morning: The moon near Mars
On the early morning of August 9, the thin waning crescent moon will appear near Mars. Both will rise about two hours after midnight. Also, look for the elusive Mercury near the eastern horizon, well below the moon and Mars.
August 11 morning: The moon near Mercury and Jupiter
Shortly before sunrise on August 11, the slender waning crescent moon will appear near Mercury. They will rise about one and a half hours before sunrise. Also, look for Jupiter, which will appear below the moon and Mercury.
Through a telescope, Mercury will appear 72% illuminated, exhibiting its waxing gibbous phase.
August 15 evening: The moon near Venus
Shortly after sunset on August 15, the thin waxing crescent moon will appear near Venus, the brightest planet in the sky. The two will set about one and a half hours after sunset. Also, look for Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, shining to the upper left of the moon and Venus.
Through a telescope, Venus will appear 48% illuminated, exhibiting its waning crescent phase.
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