The geometry behind Mercury–Jupiter Conjunction
A planetary conjunction describes an apparent alignment from Earth. The planets remain separated by enormous distances in space; closeness in the sky is an angle along our line of sight.
Planetary Events · August 15, 2026
Mercury–Jupiter Conjunction.
See whether these planets are above your horizon after dark.
Peak
This event has passed. Its timing and source remain available for reference. See what’s coming next →
When it happens
Catalog peak
Global reference time: August 15, 2026 at 10:42 UTC. Your local calendar date may differ.
The peak is not necessarily the best time to look from your location. Horizon, darkness, Moon position and weather determine the useful observing window.
What to expect
Visibility & observing notes
The catalog marks this event as not observable. Being close to the Sun or below a local horizon can prevent a view.
- Angular separation (°)
- 0.552
Understand the moment
Close in our sky, far apart in space
Try it in the astronomy lab
Step back and see the arrangement.
Locate Earth and the event’s planets, then compare their arrangement on nearby dates. Use true distances to reason about sightlines from Earth; radial compression changes those apparent angles.
Opens . Each scene is an exact daily sample, without interpolation; it is separate from the catalog peak of 10:42 UTC.
How to read the scene: The heliocentric scene does not draw the observer’s sky or reproduce the exact closest angular separation. A conjunction can occur too near the Sun for useful observing.
More about observing planets
A little context. A better view.
Planetary Events: a field guide
Conjunctions are apparent meetings
Two objects can look close together from Earth while remaining far apart in space. Angular separation describes their apparent spacing, not their physical distance.
Opposition favors outer planets
An outer planet at opposition lies opposite the Sun in our sky. It is generally well placed during the night; its altitude and your weather still shape the observing opportunity.
Elongation measures distance from the Sun in the sky
Greatest elongation can make Mercury or Venus easier to find in the evening or morning. A low horizon and local twilight conditions are important, even when the separation is large.
A catalog event is not always observable
Some conjunctions occur close to the Sun. The event page preserves that distinction. Never sweep near the Sun with binoculars or a telescope to find a planet.
Learn more: NASA’s guide to observing the planets
More to look forward to
All planetary events ↗
Sep262026 · UTC
Neptune at Opposition
Neptune lies opposite the Sun, rises near sunset, and is favorably placed for observing.
Oct42026 · UTC
Saturn at Opposition
Saturn lies opposite the Sun, rises near sunset, and is favorably placed for observing.
Oct122026 · UTC
Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
Mercury reaches its widest apparent separation from the Sun and is best placed in the evening sky.
Nov162026 · UTC
Mars–Jupiter Conjunction
Mars and Jupiter pass about 1.2° apart.
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