Monthly Sky Guide

COSMOS / MONTHLY SKY GUIDE

What is in the sky
this month?

Month by month from November 2026 to December 2028: Moon phases, planet visibility, Moon–planet pairings, meteor showers, the start of each season and eclipses. Computed for Ankara (39.9° N, 32.9° E); valid across Türkiye to within a few minutes. Times are Türkiye time (UTC+3). The current month opens automatically.

November 2026Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 07:33, sunset 17:33; full darkness 19:06–06:01.

Moon phases

Last quarter1 November, 23:29
New Moon9 November, 10:02
First quarter17 November, 14:48
Full Moon24 November, 17:54

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -0.1, in Virgo.
Venus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 18° above the horizon; rises around 05:02. Magnitude -4.8, in Virgo.
Mars	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south, about 65° above the horizon; rises around 00:08. Magnitude +0.7, in Leo.
Jupiter	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south, about 63° above the horizon; rises around 00:12. Magnitude -2.1, in Leo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-east, about 30° above the horizon; sets around 03:50. Magnitude +0.9, in Pisces.
Uranus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the west, about 19° above the horizon; rises around 18:01. Magnitude +5.6, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-east, about 33° above the horizon; sets around 03:18. Magnitude +7.8, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

2 November The Moon and Mars side by side (~1.0°; closest 16:39) — before dawn.
3 November The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~0.5°; closest 01:49) — before dawn.
4 November Mercury at inferior conjunction (passing between the Sun and Earth); moving from the evening to the morning sky.
7 November The Moon and Venus side by side (~1.0°; closest 13:43) — before dawn.
12 November Northern Taurids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 5, radiant: Taurus; best: all night; bright fireballs. Moon 11% (little moonlight).
16 November Conjunction of Mars and Jupiter (~1.2°); both planets in one binocular field.
17 November Leonids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 15, radiant: Leo; best: after midnight, east. Moon 53% (moderate moonlight).
21 November Mercury at greatest western elongation (19.6°): in the morning, low in the east before sunrise — the best days to spot Mercury.
26 November Uranus at opposition: closest to Earth, visible all night, at its brightest for the year.
30 November The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~1.1°; closest 11:28) — before dawn.
30 November The Moon and Mars side by side (~3.0°; closest 19:54) — before dawn.

December 2026Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 08:03, sunset 17:24; full darkness 19:02–06:26.

Moon phases

Last quarter1 December, 09:09
New Moon9 December, 03:52
First quarter17 December, 08:43
Full Moon24 December, 04:29
Last quarter30 December, 22:00

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -0.7, in Ophiuchus.
Venus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 28° above the horizon; rises around 04:13. Magnitude -4.8, in Libra.
Mars	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-west, about 56° above the horizon; rises around 23:05. Magnitude +0.2, in Leo.
Jupiter	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-west, about 52° above the horizon; rises around 22:20. Magnitude -2.3, in Leo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-east, about 46° above the horizon; sets around 01:49. Magnitude +1.0, in Pisces.
Uranus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 25° above the horizon; sets around 06:29. Magnitude +5.6, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-east, about 47° above the horizon; sets around 01:19. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

14 December Geminids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 150, radiant: Gemini (near Castor); best: from 21:00 to dawn. Moon 27% (little moonlight).
21 December December solstice — the longest night (23:50).
22 December The Moon passes near the Pleiades (M45) (0.97°; Moon 93% lit, altitude 53°).
22 December Ursids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 10, radiant: Ursa Minor; best: all night, north. Moon 98% (strong moonlight).
27 December The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~1.4°; closest 19:29) — before dawn.
28 December The Moon and Mars side by side (~4.7°; closest 16:28) — before dawn.

January 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 08:09, sunset 17:48; full darkness 19:23–06:33.

Moon phases

New Moon7 January, 23:25
First quarter15 January, 23:35
Full Moon22 January, 15:17
Last quarter29 January, 13:56

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -1.0, in Capricornus.
Venus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 23° above the horizon; rises around 04:39. Magnitude -4.4, in Ophiuchus.
Mars	morning	Morning: before dawn in the west, about 38° above the horizon; rises around 21:20. Magnitude -0.5, in Leo.
Jupiter	morning	Morning: before dawn in the west, about 29° above the horizon; rises around 20:09. Magnitude -2.5, in Leo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south, about 50° above the horizon; sets around 23:53. Magnitude +1.2, in Pisces.
Uranus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 53° above the horizon; sets around 04:23. Magnitude +5.6, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 46° above the horizon; sets around 23:19. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

1 January Mercury at superior conjunction (behind the Sun); moving from the morning to the evening sky.
3 January Quadrantids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 110, radiant: Boötes–Draco border; best: after midnight, north-east. Moon 14% (little moonlight).
4 January Venus at greatest western elongation (47.0°): in the morning, low in the east before sunrise.
24 January The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~1.4°; closest 02:24) — before dawn.
25 January The Moon and Mars side by side (~5.7°; closest 01:49) — before dawn.

February 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 07:42, sunset 18:24; full darkness 19:55–06:10.

Moon phases

New Moon6 February, 18:56
First quarter14 February, 10:58
Full Moon21 February, 02:24
Last quarter28 February, 08:17

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +3.6, in Aquarius.
Venus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 14° above the horizon; rises around 05:16. Magnitude -4.2, in Sagittarius.
Mars	all night	All night: rising in the east in the evening, in the west before dawn; near opposition, at its brightest. Magnitude -1.2, in Leo.
Jupiter	all night	All night: rising in the east in the evening, in the west before dawn; near opposition, at its brightest. Magnitude -2.6, in Leo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 31° above the horizon; sets around 22:04. Magnitude +1.2, in Pisces.
Uranus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south, about 70° above the horizon; sets around 02:20. Magnitude +5.7, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 24° above the horizon; sets around 21:21. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

3 February Mercury at greatest eastern elongation (18.3°): in the evening, low in the west after sunset — the best days to spot Mercury.
6 February Annular solar eclipse — Not visible from Türkiye (the Sun is below the horizon during the eclipse). Eclipse table
11 February Jupiter at opposition: closest to Earth, visible all night, at its brightest for the year.
18 February Mercury at inferior conjunction (passing between the Sun and Earth); moving from the evening to the morning sky.
19 February Mars at opposition: closest to Earth, visible all night, at its brightest for the year.
20 February The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~1.1°; closest 08:00) — during the night.
20 February The Moon and Mars side by side (~5.3°; closest 22:42) — during the night.
21 February Penumbral lunar eclipse — The Moon is high all night; penumbral eclipse 00:11–04:15. A slight shading on one edge of the Moon may be noticed; no umbral contact. Eclipse table

March 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 07:01, sunset 18:55; full darkness 20:25–05:29.

Moon phases

New Moon8 March, 12:30
First quarter15 March, 19:25
Full Moon22 March, 13:44
Last quarter30 March, 03:55

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +0.1, in Capricornus.
Venus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 8° above the horizon; rises around 05:24. Magnitude -4.0, in Capricornus.
Mars	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 42° above the horizon; sets around 06:05. Magnitude -0.8, in Leo.
Jupiter	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 45° above the horizon; sets around 05:39. Magnitude -2.4, in Leo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 8° above the horizon; sets around 20:30. Magnitude +1.1, in Pisces.
Uranus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 53° above the horizon; sets around 00:32. Magnitude +5.7, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +8.0, in Pisces.

Events

4 March The Moon and Venus side by side (~2.0°; closest 23:34) — before dawn.
14 March The Moon passes near the Pleiades (M45) (1.04°; Moon 30% lit, altitude 4°).
17 March Mercury at greatest western elongation (27.6°): in the morning, low in the east before sunrise — the best days to spot Mercury.
19 March The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~0.9°; closest 12:29) — in the evening sky.
19 March The Moon and Mars side by side (~3.9°; closest 18:42) — in the evening sky.
20 March March equinox — astronomical spring begins (23:25).
25 March Neptune in conjunction with the Sun; not visible these weeks.

April 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 06:12, sunset 19:27; full darkness 21:03–04:33.

Moon phases

New Moon7 April, 02:51
First quarter14 April, 01:56
Full Moon21 April, 01:27
Last quarter28 April, 23:18

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -0.7, in Pisces.
Venus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -3.9, in Pisces.
Mars	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south, about 65° above the horizon; sets around 03:55. Magnitude +0.0, in Leo.
Jupiter	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south, about 67° above the horizon; sets around 03:33. Magnitude -2.2, in Cancer.
Saturn	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +1.1, in Pisces.
Uranus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 25° above the horizon; sets around 22:37. Magnitude +5.8, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +8.0, in Pisces.

Events

7 April Saturn in conjunction with the Sun; not visible these weeks.
15 April The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~0.9°; closest 17:22) — in the evening sky.
16 April The Moon and Mars side by side (~3.0°; closest 01:43) — in the evening sky.
22 April Lyrids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 18, radiant: Lyra (near Vega); best: after midnight. Moon 96% (strong moonlight).
24 April The Moon passes near Antares (0.07°; Moon 90% lit, altitude 22°) — some stars may be occulted by the Moon; watch with binoculars.
29 April Mercury at superior conjunction (behind the Sun); moving from the morning to the evening sky.

May 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 05:34, sunset 19:56; full darkness 21:47–03:43.

Moon phases

New Moon6 May, 13:59
First quarter13 May, 07:44
Full Moon20 May, 13:59
Last quarter28 May, 16:58

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -0.7, in Taurus.
Venus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -3.8, in Aries.
Mars	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 57° above the horizon; sets around 02:14. Magnitude +0.5, in Leo.
Jupiter	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 53° above the horizon; sets around 01:40. Magnitude -2.0, in Leo.
Saturn	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +1.2, in Pisces.
Uranus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +5.8, in Taurus.
Neptune	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 12° above the horizon; rises around 03:32. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

6 May Eta Aquariids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 50, radiant: Aquarius; best: before dawn, low in the east. Moon 0% (little moonlight).
8 May Conjunction of Venus and Saturn (~0.6°); both planets in one binocular field.
13 May The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~1.2°; closest 00:55) — in the evening sky.
13 May The Moon and Mars side by side (~3.0°; closest 20:04) — in the evening sky.
27 May Uranus in conjunction with the Sun; not visible these weeks.
29 May Mercury at greatest eastern elongation (22.9°): in the evening, low in the west after sunset — the best days to spot Mercury.

June 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 05:19, sunset 20:19; full darkness 22:22–03:17.

Moon phases

New Moon4 June, 22:41
First quarter11 June, 13:56
Full Moon19 June, 03:45
Last quarter27 June, 07:55

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +3.6, in Gemini.
Venus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -3.8, in Taurus.
Mars	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 38° above the horizon; sets around 00:42. Magnitude +0.9, in Leo.
Jupiter	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 28° above the horizon; sets around 23:48. Magnitude -1.9, in Leo.
Saturn	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 22° above the horizon; rises around 02:22. Magnitude +1.2, in Pisces.
Uranus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +5.8, in Taurus.
Neptune	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 31° above the horizon; rises around 01:31. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

9 June The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~1.7°; closest 12:38) — in the evening sky.
10 June The Moon and Mars side by side (~3.5°; closest 22:34) — in the evening sky.
21 June June solstice — the longest day (17:11).
23 June Mercury at inferior conjunction (passing between the Sun and Earth); moving from the evening to the morning sky.

July 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 05:32, sunset 20:16; full darkness 22:13–03:36.

Moon phases

New Moon4 July, 06:02
First quarter10 July, 21:39
Full Moon18 July, 18:45
Last quarter26 July, 19:55

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +0.3, in Gemini.
Venus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -3.9, in Gemini.
Mars	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 23° above the horizon; sets around 23:20. Magnitude +1.2, in Virgo.
Jupiter	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 9° above the horizon; sets around 22:04. Magnitude -1.8, in Leo.
Saturn	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 45° above the horizon; rises around 00:29. Magnitude +1.1, in Pisces.
Uranus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 24° above the horizon; rises around 02:20. Magnitude +5.8, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 49° above the horizon; rises around 23:34. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

7 July The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~2.2°; closest 04:32) — in the evening sky.
9 July The Moon and Mars side by side (~4.2°; closest 07:00) — in the evening sky.
14 July The Moon passes near Antares (0.06°; Moon 87% lit, altitude 23°) — some stars may be occulted by the Moon; watch with binoculars.
16 July Mercury at greatest western elongation (20.7°): in the morning, low in the east before sunrise — the best days to spot Mercury.
18 July Penumbral lunar eclipse — Not visible from Türkiye (the Moon is below the horizon). Eclipse table
30 July Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 25, radiant: Aquarius; best: after midnight, south. Moon 10% (little moonlight).

August 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 06:00, sunset 19:46; full darkness 21:27–04:19.

Moon phases

New Moon2 August, 13:05
First quarter9 August, 07:54
Full Moon17 August, 10:29
Last quarter25 August, 05:28
New Moon31 August, 20:41

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -1.6, in Leo.
Venus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -4.0, in Leo.
Mars	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 15° above the horizon; sets around 22:00. Magnitude +1.3, in Virgo.
Jupiter	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -1.7, in Leo.
Saturn	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south, about 58° above the horizon; rises around 22:29. Magnitude +1.0, in Pisces.
Uranus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 53° above the horizon; rises around 00:22. Magnitude +5.7, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-west, about 46° above the horizon; rises around 21:31. Magnitude +7.8, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

2 August Total solar eclipse — Visible as a partial eclipse from all of Türkiye. Ankara: magnitude 0.63, 11:36–13:57, maximum 12:47; İstanbul: magnitude 0.65, 11:29–13:50, maximum 12:39; İzmir: magnitude 0.75, 11:24–13:53, maximum 12:39; Van: magnitude 0.51, 11:59–14:09, maximum 13:05. The path of totality crosses Spain, North Africa, Egypt and Saudi Arabia; never look at the Sun without a proper filter. Eclipse table
6 August The Moon and Mars side by side (~4.7°; closest 20:10) — in the evening sky.
11 August Mercury at superior conjunction (behind the Sun); moving from the morning to the evening sky.
12 August Venus at superior conjunction (behind the Sun); moving from the morning to the evening sky.
12 August Perseids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 100, radiant: Perseus; best: midnight to dawn, north-east. Moon 83% (strong moonlight).
17 August Penumbral lunar eclipse — Not visible from Türkiye (the Moon is below the horizon). Eclipse table
25 August The Moon passes near the Pleiades (M45) (0.9°; Moon 51% lit, altitude 37°).
31 August Jupiter in conjunction with the Sun; not visible these weeks.

September 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 06:29, sunset 18:58; full darkness 20:30–04:58.

Moon phases

First quarter7 September, 21:31
Full Moon16 September, 02:04
Last quarter23 September, 13:21
New Moon30 September, 05:36

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +0.0, in Virgo.
Venus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -3.9, in Virgo.
Mars	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 10° above the horizon; sets around 20:48. Magnitude +1.4, in Libra.
Jupiter	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -1.7, in Leo.
Saturn	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-west, about 41° above the horizon; rises around 20:25. Magnitude +0.8, in Pisces.
Uranus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south, about 72° above the horizon; rises around 22:22. Magnitude +5.7, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	morning	Morning: before dawn in the west, about 21° above the horizon; rises around 19:28. Magnitude +7.8, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

4 September The Moon and Mars side by side (~4.8°; closest 13:19) — in the evening sky.
23 September September equinox — astronomical autumn begins (09:01).
25 September Mercury at greatest eastern elongation (26.3°): in the evening, low in the west after sunset — the best days to spot Mercury.
28 September Neptune at opposition: closest to Earth, visible all night, at its brightest for the year.

October 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 06:58, sunset 18:10; full darkness 19:40–05:30.

Moon phases

First quarter7 October, 14:47
Full Moon15 October, 16:47
Last quarter22 October, 20:30
New Moon29 October, 16:37

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +3.2, in Virgo.
Venus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -3.8, in Libra.
Mars	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 8° above the horizon; sets around 19:51. Magnitude +1.3, in Libra.
Jupiter	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 24° above the horizon; rises around 04:03. Magnitude -1.7, in Leo.
Saturn	all night	All night: rising in the east in the evening, in the west before dawn; near opposition, at its brightest. Magnitude +0.6, in Pisces.
Uranus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the west, about 54° above the horizon; rises around 20:23. Magnitude +5.6, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 17° above the horizon; sets around 05:36. Magnitude +7.8, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

3 October The Moon and Mars side by side (~4.4°; closest 09:53) — in the evening sky.
4 October The Moon passes near Antares (0.18°; Moon 24% lit, altitude 7°) — some stars may be occulted by the Moon; watch with binoculars.
8 October Draconids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 10, radiant: Draco; best: evening hours. Moon 63% (strong moonlight).
18 October Saturn at opposition: closest to Earth, visible all night, at its brightest for the year.
19 October Mercury at inferior conjunction (passing between the Sun and Earth); moving from the evening to the morning sky.
21 October Orionids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 20, radiant: Orion (near Betelgeuse); best: after midnight. Moon 60% (strong moonlight).
26 October The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~4.3°; closest 08:50) — before dawn.

November 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 07:33, sunset 17:33; full darkness 19:06–06:00.

Moon phases

First quarter6 November, 11:00
Full Moon14 November, 06:26
Last quarter21 November, 03:49
New Moon28 November, 06:25

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -0.8, in Virgo.
Venus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -3.9, in Ophiuchus.
Mars	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 7° above the horizon; sets around 19:12. Magnitude +1.3, in Ophiuchus.
Jupiter	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 45° above the horizon; rises around 02:28. Magnitude -1.9, in Leo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 24° above the horizon; sets around 05:00. Magnitude +0.7, in Pisces.
Uranus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the west, about 24° above the horizon; rises around 18:17. Magnitude +5.6, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-east, about 32° above the horizon; sets around 03:30. Magnitude +7.8, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

1 November The Moon and Mars side by side (~3.2°; closest 09:23) — in the evening sky.
5 November Mercury at greatest western elongation (18.8°): in the morning, low in the east before sunrise — the best days to spot Mercury.
12 November Northern Taurids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 5, radiant: Taurus; best: all night; bright fireballs. Moon 98% (strong moonlight).
14 November The Moon passes near the Pleiades (M45) (0.48°; Moon 99% lit, altitude 39°) — some stars may be occulted by the Moon; watch with binoculars.
17 November Leonids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 15, radiant: Leo; best: after midnight, east. Moon 83% (strong moonlight).
22 November The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~4.9°; closest 22:40) — before dawn.
25 November Conjunction of Venus and Mars (~0.3°); both planets in one binocular field.
30 November The Moon and Mars side by side (~1.5°; closest 11:16) — in the evening sky.
30 November Uranus at opposition: closest to Earth, visible all night, at its brightest for the year.

December 2027Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 08:03, sunset 17:24; full darkness 19:02–06:26.

Moon phases

First quarter6 December, 08:22
Full Moon13 December, 19:09
Last quarter20 December, 12:11
New Moon27 December, 23:12

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -1.2, in Ophiuchus.
Venus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 12° above the horizon; sets around 19:40. Magnitude -3.9, in Sagittarius.
Mars	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 5° above the horizon; sets around 18:55. Magnitude +1.2, in Sagittarius.
Jupiter	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south, about 53° above the horizon; rises around 00:48. Magnitude -2.0, in Virgo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-east, about 44° above the horizon; sets around 02:56. Magnitude +0.9, in Pisces.
Uranus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 22° above the horizon; sets around 06:52. Magnitude +5.6, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-east, about 47° above the horizon; sets around 01:31. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

12 December Mercury at superior conjunction (behind the Sun); moving from the morning to the evening sky.
14 December Geminids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 150, radiant: Gemini (near Castor); best: from 21:00 to dawn. Moon 98% (strong moonlight).
20 December The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~5.4°; closest 09:03) — before dawn.
22 December December solstice — the longest night (05:42).
22 December Ursids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 10, radiant: Ursa Minor; best: all night, north. Moon 24% (little moonlight).
29 December The Moon and Mars side by side (~0.5°; closest 14:53) — in the evening sky.
31 December The Moon and Venus side by side (~2.9°; closest 02:13) — in the evening sky.

January 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 08:09, sunset 17:47; full darkness 19:23–06:33.

Moon phases

First quarter5 January, 04:41
Full Moon12 January, 07:03
Last quarter18 January, 22:26
New Moon26 January, 18:13

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -0.8, in Capricornus.
Venus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 22° above the horizon; sets around 20:52. Magnitude -4.0, in Aquarius.
Mars	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +1.2, in Capricornus.
Jupiter	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-west, about 41° above the horizon; rises around 22:52. Magnitude -2.2, in Virgo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south, about 56° above the horizon; sets around 00:56. Magnitude +1.1, in Pisces.
Uranus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 50° above the horizon; sets around 04:45. Magnitude +5.6, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 47° above the horizon; sets around 23:31. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

3 January Quadrantids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 110, radiant: Boötes–Draco border; best: after midnight, north-east. Moon 38% (moderate moonlight).
9 January Conjunction of Mercury and Mars (~0.7°); both planets in one binocular field.
12 January Partial lunar eclipse — For Ankara the umbral phase runs 06:44–07:43, greatest at 07:13 (umbral magnitude 0.07); Moon altitude: 17° at the start, 12° at greatest, 6° at the end. Fully observable. Eclipse table
16 January The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~5.7°; closest 17:12) — before dawn.
18 January Mercury at greatest eastern elongation (18.8°): in the evening, low in the west after sunset — the best days to spot Mercury.
26 January Annular solar eclipse — Not visible from Türkiye (the Sun is below the horizon during the eclipse). Eclipse table
30 January The Moon and Venus side by side (~4.9°; closest 11:32) — in the evening sky.

February 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 07:42, sunset 18:24; full darkness 19:55–06:10.

Moon phases

First quarter3 February, 22:10
Full Moon10 February, 18:04
Last quarter17 February, 11:08
New Moon25 February, 13:38

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +0.5, in Capricornus.
Venus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 30° above the horizon; sets around 21:57. Magnitude -4.2, in Pisces.
Mars	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +1.1, in Aquarius.
Jupiter	morning	Morning: before dawn in the west, about 25° above the horizon; rises around 20:41. Magnitude -2.4, in Virgo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 42° above the horizon; sets around 23:04. Magnitude +1.1, in Pisces.
Uranus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south, about 71° above the horizon; sets around 02:42. Magnitude +5.7, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 26° above the horizon; sets around 21:33. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

2 February Mercury at inferior conjunction (passing between the Sun and Earth); moving from the evening to the morning sky.
5 February The Moon passes near the Pleiades (M45) (0.59°; Moon 62% lit, altitude 5°).
13 February The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~5.7°; closest 00:18) — before dawn.
28 February Mercury at greatest western elongation (26.9°): in the morning, low in the east before sunrise — the best days to spot Mercury.
29 February The Moon and Venus side by side (~4.0°; closest 15:24) — in the evening sky.

March 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 07:00, sunset 18:56; full darkness 20:26–05:28.

Moon phases

First quarter4 March, 12:02
Full Moon11 March, 04:06
Last quarter18 March, 02:23
New Moon26 March, 07:32

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -0.2, in Aquarius.
Venus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 34° above the horizon; sets around 22:49. Magnitude -4.4, in Aries.
Mars	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +1.1, in Pisces.
Jupiter	all night	All night: rising in the east in the evening, in the west before dawn; near opposition, at its brightest. Magnitude -2.5, in Leo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 19° above the horizon; sets around 21:25. Magnitude +1.1, in Pisces.
Uranus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 56° above the horizon; sets around 00:50. Magnitude +5.7, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +8.0, in Pisces.

Events

11 March The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~5.5°; closest 06:31) — during the night.
12 March Jupiter at opposition: closest to Earth, visible all night, at its brightest for the year.
20 March March equinox — astronomical spring begins (05:17).
21 March Mars in conjunction with the Sun; not visible these weeks.
23 March Venus at greatest eastern elongation (46.1°): in the evening, low in the west after sunset.
26 March Neptune in conjunction with the Sun; not visible these weeks.
30 March The Moon and Venus side by side (~0.9°; closest 07:37) — in the evening sky.

April 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 06:10, sunset 19:27; full darkness 21:04–04:32.

Moon phases

First quarter2 April, 22:15
Full Moon9 April, 13:27
Last quarter16 April, 19:38
New Moon24 April, 22:47

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -2.0, in Aries.
Venus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 31° above the horizon; sets around 23:19. Magnitude -4.7, in Taurus.
Mars	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +1.2, in Pisces.
Jupiter	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-east, about 44° above the horizon; sets around 04:53. Magnitude -2.4, in Leo.
Saturn	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +1.0, in Aries.
Uranus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 28° above the horizon; sets around 22:54. Magnitude +5.8, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces.

Events

7 April The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~5.4°; closest 11:45) — in the evening sky.
12 April Mercury at superior conjunction (behind the Sun); moving from the morning to the evening sky.
13 April The Moon passes near Antares (0.81°; Moon 85% lit, altitude 16°).
20 April Saturn in conjunction with the Sun; not visible these weeks.
22 April Lyrids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 18, radiant: Lyra (near Vega); best: after midnight. Moon 4% (little moonlight).
26 April The Moon passes near the Pleiades (M45) (0.1°; Moon 4% lit, altitude 7°) — some stars may be occulted by the Moon; watch with binoculars.
28 April The Moon and Venus side by side (~1.7°; closest 03:28) — in the evening sky.

May 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 05:33, sunset 19:57; full darkness 21:48–03:41.

Moon phases

First quarter2 May, 05:26
Full Moon8 May, 22:49
Last quarter16 May, 13:44
New Moon24 May, 11:17
First quarter31 May, 10:37

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +1.2, in Taurus.
Venus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the north-west, about 12° above the horizon; sets around 22:09. Magnitude -4.5, in Taurus.
Mars	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +1.3, in Aries.
Jupiter	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south, about 56° above the horizon; sets around 02:52. Magnitude -2.2, in Leo.
Saturn	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +1.1, in Aries.
Uranus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +5.8, in Taurus.
Neptune	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 11° above the horizon; rises around 03:34. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

4 May The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~5.4°; closest 16:42) — in the evening sky.
6 May Eta Aquariids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 50, radiant: Aquarius; best: before dawn, low in the east. Moon 95% (strong moonlight).
9 May Mercury at greatest eastern elongation (21.4°): in the evening, low in the west after sunset — the best days to spot Mercury.
31 May Uranus in conjunction with the Sun; not visible these weeks.

June 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 05:19, sunset 20:19; full darkness 22:22–03:17.

Moon phases

Full Moon7 June, 09:09
Last quarter15 June, 07:28
New Moon22 June, 21:28
First quarter29 June, 15:11

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +2.1, in Taurus.
Venus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -4.4, in Taurus.
Mars	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +1.4, in Taurus.
Jupiter	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-west, about 39° above the horizon; sets around 00:53. Magnitude -2.0, in Leo.
Saturn	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 16° above the horizon; rises around 02:50. Magnitude +1.1, in Aries.
Uranus	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +5.8, in Taurus.
Neptune	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 30° above the horizon; rises around 01:34. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

31 May The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~5.5°; closest 23:06) — in the evening sky.
1 June Venus at inferior conjunction (passing between the Sun and Earth); moving from the evening to the morning sky.
2 June Mercury at inferior conjunction (passing between the Sun and Earth); moving from the evening to the morning sky.
14 June Conjunction of Venus and Mars (~2.0°); both planets in one binocular field.
20 June June solstice — the longest day (23:01).
27 June Mercury at greatest western elongation (22.2°): in the morning, low in the east before sunrise — the best days to spot Mercury.
28 June The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~5.7°; closest 08:41) — in the evening sky.

July 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 05:33, sunset 20:16; full darkness 22:12–03:37.

Moon phases

Full Moon6 July, 21:11
Last quarter14 July, 23:58
New Moon22 July, 06:02
First quarter28 July, 20:41

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -1.3, in Gemini.
Venus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 20° above the horizon; rises around 02:47. Magnitude -4.7, in Taurus.
Mars	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 12° above the horizon; rises around 03:25. Magnitude +1.5, in Taurus.
Jupiter	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 20° above the horizon; sets around 23:04. Magnitude -1.8, in Leo.
Saturn	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 40° above the horizon; rises around 00:59. Magnitude +1.1, in Aries.
Uranus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 22° above the horizon; rises around 02:32. Magnitude +5.8, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 49° above the horizon; rises around 23:36. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

6 July Partial lunar eclipse — For Ankara the umbral phase runs 20:09–22:32, greatest at 21:20 (umbral magnitude 0.40); Moon altitude: -1° at the start, 9° at greatest, 18° at the end. The eclipse is already under way at moonrise; the later phases can be followed. Eclipse table
20 July The Moon and Mars side by side (~1.7°; closest 03:20) — before dawn.
22 July Total solar eclipse — Not visible from Türkiye (the Sun is below the horizon during the eclipse). Eclipse table
25 July Mercury at superior conjunction (behind the Sun); moving from the morning to the evening sky.
25 July The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~5.8°; closest 22:17) — in the evening sky.
30 July Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 25, radiant: Aquarius; best: after midnight, south. Moon 72% (strong moonlight).

August 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 06:01, sunset 19:45; full darkness 21:26–04:20.

Moon phases

Full Moon5 August, 11:10
Last quarter13 August, 14:46
New Moon20 August, 13:44
First quarter27 August, 04:36

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -0.3, in Leo.
Venus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 30° above the horizon; rises around 02:26. Magnitude -4.4, in Gemini.
Mars	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 23° above the horizon; rises around 02:56. Magnitude +1.6, in Gemini.
Jupiter	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the west, about 7° above the horizon; sets around 21:14. Magnitude -1.7, in Virgo.
Saturn	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south, about 62° above the horizon; rises around 23:01. Magnitude +1.0, in Aries.
Uranus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 50° above the horizon; rises around 00:35. Magnitude +5.7, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-west, about 47° above the horizon; rises around 21:34. Magnitude +7.8, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

11 August Venus at greatest western elongation (45.8°): in the morning, low in the east before sunrise.
12 August Perseids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 100, radiant: Perseus; best: midnight to dawn, north-east. Moon 57% (moderate moonlight).
17 August The Moon and Venus side by side (~4.1°; closest 06:35) — before dawn.
17 August The Moon and Mars side by side (~0.3°; closest 21:40) — before dawn.
22 August The Moon and Jupiter side by side (~5.9°; closest 15:39) — in the evening sky.
28 August Conjunction of Mercury and Jupiter (~2.2°); both planets in one binocular field.

September 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 06:30, sunset 18:57; full darkness 20:28–04:59.

Moon phases

Full Moon4 September, 02:48
Last quarter12 September, 03:46
New Moon18 September, 21:24
First quarter25 September, 16:10

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude +0.4, in Virgo.
Venus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 31° above the horizon; rises around 02:55. Magnitude -4.2, in Cancer.
Mars	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 35° above the horizon; rises around 02:32. Magnitude +1.5, in Cancer.
Jupiter	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -1.7, in Virgo.
Saturn	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-west, about 52° above the horizon; rises around 20:59. Magnitude +0.8, in Aries.
Uranus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south, about 72° above the horizon; rises around 22:35. Magnitude +5.6, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	morning	Morning: before dawn in the west, about 23° above the horizon; rises around 19:30. Magnitude +7.8, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

7 September Mercury at greatest eastern elongation (27.0°): in the evening, low in the west after sunset — the best days to spot Mercury.
8 September Conjunction of Venus and Mars (~2.3°); both planets in one binocular field.
15 September The Moon and Mars side by side (~2.4°; closest 13:50) — before dawn.
15 September The Moon and Venus side by side (~1.0°; closest 20:42) — before dawn.
22 September September equinox — astronomical autumn begins (14:45).
30 September Neptune at opposition: closest to Earth, visible all night, at its brightest for the year.
30 September Jupiter in conjunction with the Sun; not visible these weeks.

October 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 06:59, sunset 18:09; full darkness 19:39–05:30.

Moon phases

Full Moon3 October, 19:25
Last quarter11 October, 14:57
New Moon18 October, 05:57
First quarter25 October, 07:53

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 8° above the horizon; rises around 05:27. Magnitude -0.3, in Virgo.
Venus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the east, about 27° above the horizon; rises around 03:50. Magnitude -4.0, in Leo.
Mars	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 46° above the horizon; rises around 02:06. Magnitude +1.4, in Leo.
Jupiter	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -1.7, in Virgo.
Saturn	morning	Morning: before dawn in the west, about 24° above the horizon; rises around 18:56. Magnitude +0.6, in Aries.
Uranus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the west, about 57° above the horizon; rises around 20:36. Magnitude +5.6, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 16° above the horizon; sets around 05:44. Magnitude +7.8, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

2 October Mercury at inferior conjunction (passing between the Sun and Earth); moving from the evening to the morning sky.
8 October Draconids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 10, radiant: Draco; best: evening hours. Moon 76% (strong moonlight).
14 October The Moon and Mars side by side (~4.3°; closest 03:25) — before dawn.
15 October The Moon and Venus side by side (~5.3°; closest 14:12) — before dawn.
18 October Mercury at greatest western elongation (18.2°): in the morning, low in the east before sunrise — the best days to spot Mercury.
21 October Orionids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 20, radiant: Orion (near Betelgeuse); best: after midnight. Moon 18% (little moonlight).
22 October Conjunction of Mercury and Jupiter (~1.0°); both planets in one binocular field.
30 October Saturn at opposition: closest to Earth, visible all night, at its brightest for the year.

November 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 07:34, sunset 17:32; full darkness 19:06–06:01.

Moon phases

Full Moon2 November, 12:17
Last quarter10 November, 00:26
New Moon16 November, 16:18
First quarter24 November, 03:14

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -1.3, in Libra.
Venus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 19° above the horizon; rises around 04:55. Magnitude -3.9, in Virgo.
Mars	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 54° above the horizon; rises around 01:32. Magnitude +1.2, in Leo.
Jupiter	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 24° above the horizon; rises around 04:29. Magnitude -1.7, in Virgo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 18° above the horizon; sets around 06:08. Magnitude +0.6, in Aries.
Uranus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the west, about 27° above the horizon; rises around 18:30. Magnitude +5.6, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-east, about 32° above the horizon; sets around 03:39. Magnitude +7.8, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

4 November The Moon passes near the Pleiades (M45) (0.45°; Moon 98% lit, altitude 74°) — some stars may be occulted by the Moon; watch with binoculars.
10 November Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter (~0.6°); both planets in one binocular field.
11 November The Moon and Mars side by side (~5.9°; closest 13:49) — before dawn.
12 November Northern Taurids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 5, radiant: Taurus; best: all night; bright fireballs. Moon 19% (little moonlight).
17 November Leonids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 15, radiant: Leo; best: after midnight, east. Moon 2% (little moonlight).
20 November Mercury at superior conjunction (behind the Sun); moving from the morning to the evening sky.

December 2028Moon phases · planets · events

Ankara on the 15th: sunrise 08:03, sunset 17:25; full darkness 19:02–06:26.

Moon phases

Full Moon2 December, 04:40
Last quarter9 December, 08:39
New Moon16 December, 05:06
First quarter24 December, 00:44
Full Moon31 December, 19:48

Planets (mid-month)

Planet	Status	Where and when
Mercury	not visible	Close to the Sun; not visible this month. Magnitude -0.6, in Sagittarius.
Venus	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 10° above the horizon; rises around 06:05. Magnitude -3.9, in Libra.
Mars	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south, about 53° above the horizon; rises around 00:49. Magnitude +0.9, in Virgo.
Jupiter	morning	Morning: before dawn in the south-east, about 39° above the horizon; rises around 02:57. Magnitude -1.8, in Virgo.
Saturn	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 40° above the horizon; sets around 04:01. Magnitude +0.8, in Aries.
Uranus	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the east, about 19° above the horizon; sets around 07:11. Magnitude +5.6, in Taurus. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.
Neptune	evening	Evening: at the end of twilight in the south-east, about 47° above the horizon; sets around 01:39. Magnitude +7.9, in Pisces. Not visible to the naked eye; binoculars or a telescope needed.

Events

3 December Uranus at opposition: closest to Earth, visible all night, at its brightest for the year.
14 December The Moon and Venus side by side (~5.0°; closest 09:11) — before dawn.
14 December Geminids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 150, radiant: Gemini (near Castor); best: from 21:00 to dawn. Moon 2% (little moonlight).
21 December December solstice — the longest night (11:20).
22 December Ursids meteor shower peak — ZHR ≈ 10, radiant: Ursa Minor; best: all night, north. Moon 40% (moderate moonlight).
31 December Mercury at greatest eastern elongation (19.6°): in the evening, low in the west after sunset — the best days to spot Mercury.
31 December Total lunar eclipse — For Ankara the umbral phase runs 18:07–21:36, greatest at 19:52 (umbral magnitude 1.25); totality 19:16–20:28; Moon altitude: 7° at the start, 26° at greatest, 45° at the end. Fully observable. Eclipse table

INTERACTIVE LAB

Find a constellation tonight

The monthly tables cover the planets and sky events; this lab works out when, in which direction and how high any of the 88 constellations will be tonight from Türkiye or another city in the world. It opens with one of the best-known constellations standing highest over Ankara at 21:00 tonight.

ECLIPSES 2026–2028

Which eclipses are visible from Türkiye?

Date	Eclipse	Greatest (TRT)	Visibility from Türkiye
12 August 2026	Total solar eclipse	20:45	Not visible from Türkiye: in the westernmost provinces (Edirne, Çanakkale) the Sun sets minutes before first contact. The path of totality crosses Greenland, Iceland and Spain.
28 August 2026	Partial lunar eclipse	07:13	For Ankara the umbral phase runs 05:34–08:52, greatest at 07:13 (umbral magnitude 0.93); Moon altitude: 7° at the start, -10° at greatest, -29° at the end. Observable as the Moon sets; the later phases are below the horizon.
6 February 2027	Annular solar eclipse	18:58	Not visible from Türkiye (the Sun is below the horizon during the eclipse).
20 February 2027	Penumbral lunar eclipse	02:13	The Moon is high all night; penumbral eclipse 00:11–04:15. A slight shading on one edge of the Moon may be noticed; no umbral contact.
18 July 2027	Penumbral lunar eclipse	19:03	Not visible from Türkiye (the Moon is below the horizon).
2 August 2027	Total solar eclipse	13:06	Visible as a partial eclipse from all of Türkiye. Ankara: magnitude 0.63, 11:36–13:57, maximum 12:47; İstanbul: magnitude 0.65, 11:29–13:50, maximum 12:39; İzmir: magnitude 0.75, 11:24–13:53, maximum 12:39; Van: magnitude 0.51, 11:59–14:09, maximum 13:05. The path of totality crosses Spain, North Africa, Egypt and Saudi Arabia; never look at the Sun without a proper filter.
17 August 2027	Penumbral lunar eclipse	10:14	Not visible from Türkiye (the Moon is below the horizon).
12 January 2028	Partial lunar eclipse	07:13	For Ankara the umbral phase runs 06:44–07:43, greatest at 07:13 (umbral magnitude 0.07); Moon altitude: 17° at the start, 12° at greatest, 6° at the end. Fully observable.
26 January 2028	Annular solar eclipse	18:07	Not visible from Türkiye (the Sun is below the horizon during the eclipse).
6 July 2028	Partial lunar eclipse	21:20	For Ankara the umbral phase runs 20:09–22:32, greatest at 21:20 (umbral magnitude 0.40); Moon altitude: -1° at the start, 9° at greatest, 18° at the end. The eclipse is already under way at moonrise; the later phases can be followed.
22 July 2028	Total solar eclipse	05:55	Not visible from Türkiye (the Sun is below the horizon during the eclipse).
31 December 2028	Total lunar eclipse	19:52	For Ankara the umbral phase runs 18:07–21:36, greatest at 19:52 (umbral magnitude 1.25); totality 19:16–20:28; Moon altitude: 7° at the start, 26° at greatest, 45° at the end. Fully observable.

Eclipse types and times of greatest eclipse from the NASA GSFC eclipse catalogue; local circumstances for Türkiye (start/end, Moon altitude, partial magnitude) were computed for this page and carry an uncertainty of about ±2–3 minutes / ±0.03 in magnitude. Times are Türkiye time (UTC+3). NASA GSFC Eclipse Web Site

METEOR SHOWERS

Annual calendar and Moon conditions

Shower	Peak	ZHR	Radiant	Best time	Moon
Quadrantids	3 January	110	Boötes–Draco border	after midnight, north-east	2027: 14% · 2028: 38%
Lyrids	22 April	18	Lyra (near Vega)	after midnight	2027: 96% · 2028: 4%
Eta Aquariids	6 May	50	Aquarius	before dawn, low in the east	2027: 0% · 2028: 95%
Southern Delta Aquariids	30 July	25	Aquarius	after midnight, south	2027: 10% · 2028: 72%
Perseids	12 August	100	Perseus	midnight to dawn, north-east	2027: 83% · 2028: 57%
Draconids	8 October	10	Draco	evening hours	2027: 63% · 2028: 76%
Orionids	21 October	20	Orion (near Betelgeuse)	after midnight	2027: 60% · 2028: 18%
Northern Taurids	12 November	5	Taurus	all night; bright fireballs	2026: 11% · 2027: 98% · 2028: 19%
Leonids	17 November	15	Leo	after midnight, east	2026: 53% · 2027: 83% · 2028: 2%
Geminids	14 December	150	Gemini (near Castor)	from 21:00 to dawn	2026: 27% · 2027: 98% · 2028: 2%
Ursids	22 December	10	Ursa Minor	all night, north	2026: 98% · 2027: 24% · 2028: 40%

Peak dates and ZHR (zenithal hourly rate under ideal conditions) follow the International Meteor Organization calendar; they may shift by a day between years. The “Moon” column gives the Moon’s illumination at 02:00 on the peak night: below 30% is good, above 70% poor. IMO Meteor Shower Calendar

METHOD AND SOURCES

How were these numbers computed?

Positions of the Sun, Moon and planets were computed with the methods in Jean Meeus’s Astronomical Algorithms (1998) and with the approximate Keplerian orbital elements NASA JPL publishes for 1800–2050. Moon phases are accurate to ±2 minutes, season starts to ±1 minute and planet positions to ±0.2°. Planet visibility is assessed on the 15th of the month, requiring at least 5° of altitude when the Sun is 10° below the horizon (end of twilight / start of dawn); the threshold for Mercury is 8°. The constellation of each planet is derived approximately from its ecliptic longitude and the IAU boundaries. Moon–planet and Moon–star approaches are geocentric minimum separations; because of the Moon’s parallax the separation seen from Türkiye can differ by up to half a degree.

Eclipse dates and types come from the NASA GSFC catalogue; the local circumstances for Türkiye were computed independently for this page. Meteor shower peak dates and ZHR values follow the IMO calendar. The page is accurate enough for observation planning; for scientific measurement or publication use a primary ephemeris such as JPL Horizons.

Data range: November 2026 – December 2028. The table should be renewed after December 2028. Compiled: 29 October 2026.