The sky on Friday, 18 December 2026
On Friday, 18 December 2026 the Moon is a First Quarter, 64% lit, in Aries (tropical) and Meena rashi (sidereal). The Sun is in Sagittarius.
Panchang at sunrise (India)
| Tithi | Shukla Navami until 18 Dec, 11:19 pm IST |
| Paksha | Shukla (waxing) |
| Nakshatra | Uttara Bhadrapada, pada 3 (lord Saturn) until 18 Dec, 4:13 pm IST |
| Moon rashi | Meena |
| Sun rashi | Dhanu |
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 Aries makes for a short fuse and a quick evening. Start the thing; explain it later.
Next full Moon: 24 Dec, 7:04 am IST. Next new Moon: 8 Jan, 1:53 am IST.
Where the planets are
| Planet | Sign (tropical) | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Sagittarius 18° | lost in the Sun’s glare |
| Venus | Scorpio 10° | morning sky, east |
| Mars | Virgo 7° | morning sky, east |
| Jupiter | Leo 27° ℞ retrograde | morning sky, east |
| Saturn | Aries 8° | evening sky, west |
Retrograde today: Jupiter. All retrograde dates.
Geminids meteor shower: peaked 4 day(s) ago, up to 150 meteors an hour from Gemini. All meteor showers.
Questions
- What is the moon phase on 18 Dec 2026?
- First Quarter, 64% illuminated, with the Moon in Aries (tropical) / Meena (sidereal).
- What is the tithi on 18 Dec 2026?
- Shukla Navami at sunrise in India, until 18 Dec, 11:19 pm IST.
- Which nakshatra is the Moon in on 18 Dec 2026?
- Uttara Bhadrapada (pada 3), ruled by Saturn, until 18 Dec, 4:13 pm IST.
- Is Mercury retrograde on 18 Dec 2026?
- No. Mercury is moving direct in Sagittarius.
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