What’s coming up in the Solar System
Planet oppositions and conjunctions, closest approaches to Earth, comets at perihelion, the flyby of asteroid Apophis and mission milestones – for the next three years, with an archive of the past year.
Dates in Universal Time (UTC). Planet and comet positions are calculated from NASA/JPL orbital elements, as on the map – dates may differ by a few hours from precise ephemerides. Visibility follows only from the position relative to the Sun: no weather or local conditions. How we calculate
Coming up
November 2026
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4 November 2026
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 3 November 2026 – 100.6 million km.
From Earth: 0° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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20 November 2026
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 19.6°.
From Earth: 20° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
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21 November 2026 planned
BepiColombo – Planned entry into orbit around Mercury
According to the mission plan – the date may change.
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25 November 2026
Uranus at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Uranus is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 25 November 2026 – 2.76 billion km.
From Earth: 180° from the Sun. Visible all night. Uranus – with binoculars (naked eye only under very dark skies).
December 2026
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December 2026 planned
BepiColombo – Planned separation of the two orbiters, MPO and Mio
According to the mission plan – the date may change.
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3 December 2026 planned
Europa Clipper – Planned Earth gravity assist
According to the mission plan – the date may change.
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24 December 2026 planned
Solar Orbiter – Planned Venus flyby to raise the inclination further
According to the mission plan – the date may change.
January 2027
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1 January 2027
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 215.2 million km (1.439 AU).
From Earth: 2° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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3 January 2027
Venus – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 47.0°.
From Earth: 47° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
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4 January 2027
Earth at perihelion
Earth closest to the Sun this year: 147.1 million km (0.983 AU).
February 2027
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3 February 2027
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 18.3°.
From Earth: 18° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
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3 February 2027
Comet Encke closest to Earth
The comet’s closest approach to Earth on this pass: 93.40 million km (0.624 AU).
From Earth: 9° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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10 February 2027
Comet Encke at perihelion
The comet is closest to the Sun: 0.339 AU – distance from Earth that day 101.7 million km (0.680 AU).
From Earth: 10° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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11 February 2027
Jupiter at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Jupiter is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 10 February 2027 – 652.1 million km.
From Earth: 179° from the Sun. Visible all night.
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18 February 2027
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 21 February 2027 – 95.37 million km.
From Earth: 4° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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19 February 2027
Mars at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Mars is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 20 February 2027 – 101.4 million km.
From Earth: 176° from the Sun. Visible all night.
March 2027
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17 March 2027
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 27.6°.
From Earth: 28° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
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24 March 2027
Neptune in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 4.62 billion km (30.87 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
April 2027
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April 2027 planned
BepiColombo – Planned start of science operations
According to the mission plan – the date may change.
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7 April 2027
Saturn in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 1.55 billion km (10.38 AU).
From Earth: 2° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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28 April 2027
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 198.5 million km (1.327 AU).
From Earth: 0° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
May 2027
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27 May 2027
Uranus in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 3.05 billion km (20.41 AU).
From Earth: 0° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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28 May 2027
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 22.9°.
From Earth: 23° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
June 2027
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23 June 2027
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 21 June 2027 – 83.00 million km.
From Earth: 4° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
July 2027
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5 July 2027
Earth at aphelion
Earth farthest from the Sun this year: 152.1 million km (1.017 AU).
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15 July 2027
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 20.7°.
From Earth: 21° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
August 2027
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August 2027 planned
Lucy – Planned flyby of Trojan asteroid Eurybates
According to the mission plan – the date may change.
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11 August 2027
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 201.7 million km (1.348 AU).
From Earth: 2° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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11 August 2027
Venus at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 259.0 million km (1.731 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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31 August 2027
Jupiter in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 958.5 million km (6.407 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
September 2027
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24 September 2027
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 26.3°.
From Earth: 26° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
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28 September 2027
Neptune at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Neptune is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 27 September 2027 – 4.32 billion km.
From Earth: 179° from the Sun. Visible all night. Neptune – only with binoculars or a telescope.
October 2027
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18 October 2027
Saturn at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Saturn is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 18 October 2027 – 1.25 billion km.
From Earth: 177° from the Sun. Visible all night.
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19 October 2027
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 18 October 2027 – 99.42 million km.
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
November 2027
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4 November 2027
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 18.8°.
From Earth: 19° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
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30 November 2027
Uranus at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Uranus is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 30 November 2027 – 2.75 billion km.
From Earth: 180° from the Sun. Visible all night. Uranus – with binoculars (naked eye only under very dark skies).
December 2027
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11 December 2027
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 217.0 million km (1.451 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
January 2028
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2028 planned
Comet Interceptor: launch
ESA / JAXA – launch period late 2028 or early 2029; will wait in space for a suitable pristine comet or interstellar object. As of 4 November 2026; the date may change.
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2028 planned
Rosalind Franklin (ExoMars rover): launch
ESA – launch targeted for 2028. As of 4 November 2026; the date may change.
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4 January 2028
Earth at perihelion
Earth closest to the Sun this year: 147.1 million km (0.983 AU).
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17 January 2028
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 18.8°.
From Earth: 19° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
February 2028
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2 February 2028
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 4 February 2028 – 97.76 million km.
From Earth: 4° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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11 February 2028
Comet Tempel 1 at perihelion
The comet is closest to the Sun: 1.770 AU – distance from Earth that day 342.4 million km (2.289 AU).
From Earth: 47° from the Sun. Well placed in the second part of the night and before dawn. Comet brightness cannot be predicted precisely – binoculars are usually needed.
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27 February 2028
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 26.9°.
From Earth: 27° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
March 2028
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12 March 2028
Jupiter at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Jupiter is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 13 March 2028 – 664.2 million km.
From Earth: 179° from the Sun. Visible all night.
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21 March 2028
Mars in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 357.2 million km (2.388 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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22 March 2028
Venus – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 46.1°.
From Earth: 46° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
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26 March 2028
Neptune in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 4.62 billion km (30.87 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
April 2028
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5 April 2028
Comet Churyumov–Gerasimenko closest to Earth
The comet’s closest approach to Earth on this pass: 312.6 million km (2.089 AU).
From Earth: 21° from the Sun. Low above the western horizon in the evening, just after sunset. Comet brightness cannot be predicted precisely – binoculars are usually needed.
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9 April 2028
Comet Churyumov–Gerasimenko at perihelion
The comet is closest to the Sun: 1.212 AU – distance from Earth that day 312.7 million km (2.090 AU).
From Earth: 21° from the Sun. Low above the western horizon in the evening, just after sunset. Comet brightness cannot be predicted precisely – binoculars are usually needed.
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11 April 2028
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 199.6 million km (1.334 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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20 April 2028
Saturn in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 1.54 billion km (10.28 AU).
From Earth: 2° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
May 2028
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9 May 2028
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 21.4°.
From Earth: 21° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
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30 May 2028
Uranus in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 3.04 billion km (20.34 AU).
From Earth: 0° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
June 2028
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1 June 2028
Venus at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 1 June 2028 – 43.15 million km.
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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2 June 2028
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 2 June 2028 – 82.14 million km.
From Earth: 2° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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26 June 2028
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 22.2°.
From Earth: 22° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
July 2028
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July 2028 planned
Dragonfly: launch
NASA – launch no earlier than July 2028; arrival at Titan in late 2034. As of 4 November 2026; the date may change.
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4 July 2028
Earth at aphelion
Earth farthest from the Sun this year: 152.1 million km (1.017 AU).
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25 July 2028
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 200.1 million km (1.338 AU).
From Earth: 2° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
August 2028
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1 August 2028
Comet Tempel 1 closest to Earth
The comet’s closest approach to Earth on this pass: 200.9 million km (1.343 AU).
From Earth: 149° from the Sun. Visible all night. Comet brightness cannot be predicted precisely – binoculars are usually needed.
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10 August 2028
Venus – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 45.8°.
From Earth: 46° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
September 2028
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6 September 2028
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 27.1°.
From Earth: 27° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
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30 September 2028
Neptune at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Neptune is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 29 September 2028 – 4.32 billion km.
From Earth: 179° from the Sun. Visible all night. Neptune – only with binoculars or a telescope.
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30 September 2028
Jupiter in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 965.4 million km (6.453 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
October 2028
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2 October 2028
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 30 September 2028 – 97.70 million km.
From Earth: 2° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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17 October 2028
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 18.2°.
From Earth: 18° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
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30 October 2028
Saturn at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Saturn is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 30 October 2028 – 1.23 billion km.
From Earth: 177° from the Sun. Visible all night.
November 2028
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20 November 2028
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 216.6 million km (1.448 AU).
From Earth: 0° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
December 2028
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3 December 2028
Uranus at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Uranus is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 3 December 2028 – 2.74 billion km.
From Earth: 180° from the Sun. Visible all night. Uranus – with binoculars (naked eye only under very dark skies).
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5 December 2028
Comet Borrelly closest to Earth
The comet’s closest approach to Earth on this pass: 61.23 million km (0.409 AU).
From Earth: 136° from the Sun. Visible all night. Comet brightness cannot be predicted precisely – binoculars are usually needed.
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11 December 2028
Comet Borrelly at perihelion
The comet is closest to the Sun: 1.309 AU – distance from Earth that day 62.06 million km (0.415 AU).
From Earth: 134° from the Sun. Visible all night. Comet brightness cannot be predicted precisely – binoculars are usually needed.
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31 December 2028
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 19.6°.
From Earth: 20° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
January 2029
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3 January 2029
Earth at perihelion
Earth closest to the Sun this year: 147.1 million km (0.983 AU).
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16 January 2029
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 17 January 2029 – 99.55 million km.
From Earth: 3° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
February 2029
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8 February 2029
Comet Wild 2 closest to Earth
The comet’s closest approach to Earth on this pass: 137.4 million km (0.918 AU).
From Earth: 151° from the Sun. Visible all night. Comet brightness cannot be predicted precisely – binoculars are usually needed.
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9 February 2029
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 25.7°.
From Earth: 26° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
March 2029
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23 March 2029
Venus at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 257.7 million km (1.723 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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25 March 2029
Mars at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Mars is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 29 March 2029 – 96.82 million km.
From Earth: 177° from the Sun. Visible all night.
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26 March 2029
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 201.2 million km (1.345 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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28 March 2029
Neptune in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 4.62 billion km (30.86 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
April 2029
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April 2029 planned
OSIRIS-REx / OSIRIS-APEX – Planned arrival at Apophis just after its close pass by Earth
According to the mission plan – the date may change.
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12 April 2029
Jupiter at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Jupiter is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 13 April 2029 – 665.7 million km.
From Earth: 178° from the Sun. Visible all night.
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13 April 2029, 21:46 UTC
Asteroid Apophis passes Earth
Closest approach: about 38,000 km from Earth’s centre (about 31,600 km above the surface – closer than geostationary satellites), speed relative to Earth 7.42 km/s; the next day at 14:32 UTC it passes the Moon at about 96,000 km. NASA: the flyby is safe. We do not simulate this flyby – a two-body model cannot reproduce how Earth’s gravity bends the path.
Visibility not calculated (path bent near Earth).
Show on the map More about ApophisNASA on Apophis Source: NASA/JPL CNEOS – Close Approach Data
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21 April 2029
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 20.1°.
From Earth: 20° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
May 2029
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4 May 2029
Saturn in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 1.52 billion km (10.19 AU).
From Earth: 2° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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12 May 2029
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 14 May 2029 – 82.73 million km.
From Earth: 0° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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14 May 2029
Comet Wild 2 at perihelion
The comet is closest to the Sun: 1.593 AU – distance from Earth that day 198.3 million km (1.326 AU).
From Earth: 85° from the Sun. Well placed in the evening and the first part of the night. Comet brightness cannot be predicted precisely – binoculars are usually needed.
June 2029
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4 June 2029
Uranus in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 3.03 billion km (20.27 AU).
From Earth: 0° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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8 June 2029
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 23.9°.
From Earth: 24° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
July 2029
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5 July 2029
Earth at aphelion
Earth farthest from the Sun this year: 152.1 million km (1.017 AU).
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9 July 2029
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 199.0 million km (1.330 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
August 2029
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August 2029 planned
Psyche – Planned start of science operations at asteroid Psyche
According to the mission plan – the date may change.
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19 August 2029
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 27.4°.
From Earth: 27° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
September 2029
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15 September 2029
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 13 September 2029 – 95.45 million km.
From Earth: 3° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
October 2029
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1 October 2029
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 17.9°.
From Earth: 18° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
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2 October 2029
Neptune at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Neptune is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 1 October 2029 – 4.32 billion km.
From Earth: 179° from the Sun. Visible all night. Neptune – only with binoculars or a telescope.
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27 October 2029
Venus – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 47.0°.
From Earth: 47° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
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30 October 2029
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 214.3 million km (1.433 AU).
From Earth: 0° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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31 October 2029
Jupiter in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 961.3 million km (6.426 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
Archive – the past 12 months 34
November 2026
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November 2026 planned
Hera – Planned arrival at the Didymos–Dimorphos system
According to the mission plan – the date may change.
October 2026
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24 October 2026
Venus at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 25 October 2026 – 40.81 million km.
From Earth: 7° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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19 October 2026
MMX (Martian Moons eXploration): launch
JAXA – launched 19 October 2026 UTC (20 October, 4:41 JST) on an H3 from Tanegashima; Mars sphere in 2027, observations of Phobos 2027–2030, sample return to Earth in 2031 (plan).
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12 October 2026
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 25.2°.
From Earth: 25° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
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4 October 2026
Saturn at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Saturn is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 4 October 2026 – 1.26 billion km.
From Earth: 177° from the Sun. Visible all night.
September 2026
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26 September 2026
Neptune at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Neptune is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 25 September 2026 – 4.32 billion km.
From Earth: 179° from the Sun. Visible all night. Neptune – only with binoculars or a telescope.
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3 September 2026
BepiColombo – Transfer module jettisoned; the arrival phase begins
August 2026
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27 August 2026
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 203.8 million km (1.362 AU).
From Earth: 2° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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15 August 2026
Venus – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 45.9°.
From Earth: 46° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
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2 August 2026
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 19.5°.
From Earth: 20° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
July 2026
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29 July 2026
Jupiter in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 942.3 million km (6.299 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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13 July 2026
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 10 July 2026 – 85.07 million km.
From Earth: 5° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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5 July 2026
Earth at aphelion
Earth farthest from the Sun this year: 152.1 million km (1.017 AU).
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5 July 2026
Hayabusa2 – Flyby of asteroid 2001 CC21 in the extended mission
June 2026
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15 June 2026
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 24.5°.
From Earth: 25° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
May 2026
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22 May 2026
Uranus in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 3.06 billion km (20.47 AU).
From Earth: 0° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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14 May 2026
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 197.9 million km (1.323 AU).
From Earth: 0° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
April 2026
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3 April 2026
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 27.8°.
From Earth: 28° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
March 2026
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25 March 2026
Saturn in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 1.57 billion km (10.49 AU).
From Earth: 2° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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22 March 2026
Neptune in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 4.62 billion km (30.88 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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7 March 2026
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 10 March 2026 – 92.47 million km.
From Earth: 4° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
February 2026
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19 February 2026
Mercury – greatest eastern elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 18.1°.
From Earth: 18° from the Sun. Visible in the evening above the western horizon, after sunset.
January 2026
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21 January 2026
Mercury at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 212.0 million km (1.417 AU).
From Earth: 2° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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10 January 2026
Jupiter at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Jupiter is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 9 January 2026 – 632.6 million km.
From Earth: 180° from the Sun. Visible all night.
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9 January 2026
Mars in conjunction with the Sun
The planet is behind the Sun, on the far side of its orbit – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 359.6 million km (2.404 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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6 January 2026
Venus at superior conjunction
The planet is behind the Sun – farthest from Earth in this cycle: 255.9 million km (1.711 AU).
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
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3 January 2026
Earth at perihelion
Earth closest to the Sun this year: 147.1 million km (0.983 AU).
December 2025
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19 December 2025
3I/ATLAS closest to Earth
The comet’s closest approach to Earth on this pass: 268.6 million km (1.796 AU).
From Earth: 107° from the Sun. Well placed in the second part of the night and before dawn. Comet brightness cannot be predicted precisely – binoculars are usually needed.
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7 December 2025
Mercury – greatest western elongation
The planet’s greatest angular distance from the Sun in this cycle: 20.7°.
From Earth: 21° from the Sun. Visible in the morning above the eastern horizon, before sunrise.
November 2025
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21 November 2025
Uranus at opposition
Earth passes between the Sun and the planet – Uranus is opposite the Sun in the sky and at its brightest of the year. Closest to Earth: 21 November 2025 – 2.77 billion km.
From Earth: 180° from the Sun. Visible all night. Uranus – with binoculars (naked eye only under very dark skies).
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20 November 2025
Mercury at inferior conjunction
The planet passes between Earth and the Sun. Closest to Earth: 19 November 2025 – 101.3 million km.
From Earth: 1° from the Sun. Close to the Sun – not visible.
Sources: NASA/JPL orbital elements (planets, comets), NASA/JPL CNEOS (Apophis flyby), space agency mission pages. Dates of planned missions may change.