The sky on Sunday, 18 October 2026
On Sunday, 18 October 2026 the Moon is a First Quarter, 50% lit, in Capricorn (tropical) and Dhanu rashi (sidereal). The Sun is in Libra.
Panchang at sunrise (India)
| Tithi | Shukla Saptami until 18 Oct, 8:28 am IST |
| Paksha | Shukla (waxing) |
| Nakshatra | Purva Ashadha, pada 3 (lord Venus) until 18 Oct, 12:48 pm IST |
| Moon rashi | Dhanu |
| Sun rashi | Tula |
Lahiri ayanamsa. Times are exact astronomical crossings in IST. Printed panchangs reckon tithi and nakshatra from local sunrise, so expect differences of a few minutes, and of a day near a boundary.
The Moon tonight
Half lit and high at dusk. Plans made at the new moon meet their first resistance. Push a little.
The Moon in Capricorn is quiet and practical. A good night for the unglamorous job you’ve been putting off.
Next full Moon: 26 Oct, 9:48 am IST. Next new Moon: 9 Nov, 12:31 pm IST.
Where the planets are
| Planet | Sign (tropical) | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Scorpio 19° | evening sky, west |
| Venus | Scorpio 3° ℞ retrograde | lost in the Sun’s glare |
| Mars | Leo 11° | morning sky, east |
| Jupiter | Leo 22° | morning sky, east |
| Saturn | Aries 10° ℞ retrograde | up all night |
Retrograde today: Venus, Saturn. All retrograde dates.
Orionids meteor shower: peaks in 3 day(s), up to 20 meteors an hour from Orion. All meteor showers.
Questions
- What is the moon phase on 18 Oct 2026?
- First Quarter, 50% illuminated, with the Moon in Capricorn (tropical) / Dhanu (sidereal).
- What is the tithi on 18 Oct 2026?
- Shukla Saptami at sunrise in India, until 18 Oct, 8:28 am IST.
- Which nakshatra is the Moon in on 18 Oct 2026?
- Purva Ashadha (pada 3), ruled by Venus, until 18 Oct, 12:48 pm IST.
- Is Mercury retrograde on 18 Oct 2026?
- No. Mercury is moving direct in Scorpio.
See tonight’s sky painted live from these positions, or paint the sky you were born under. It’s free and works in your browser.
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