Neptune at opposition on September 26, 2026
Neptune at opposition -- when it's opposite the sun on the sky's dome -- comes on September 26, 2026. You'll need optical aid to spot it. The post Neptune at opposition on September 26, 2026 first appeared on EarthSky .
Neptune, the 8th planet from our sun, will reach opposition on September 26, 2026, when it appears opposite the sun in our sky. Opposition signifies the peak of Neptune's visibility and brightness for the year. This celestial event occurs when Earth passes between the sun and Neptune, causing Neptune to rise in the east as the sun sets in the west.
At opposition, Neptune will be in front of the constellation Pisces the Fish and near the planet Saturn. Its closest approach to Earth will happen on the same day, with a distance of 240 light-minutes or 28.9 astronomical units. Neptune cannot be seen with the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope are necessary for observation, appearing as a star-like object. Through a telescope, Neptune will measure 2.4 arcseconds across.
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