The sky on Sunday, 20 December 2026
On Sunday, 20 December 2026 the Moon is a Waxing Gibbous, 84% lit, in Taurus (tropical) and Mesha rashi (sidereal). The Sun is in Sagittarius.
Panchang at sunrise (India)
| Tithi | Shukla Ekadashi until 20 Dec, 8:16 pm IST |
| Paksha | Shukla (waxing) |
| Nakshatra | Ashwini, pada 3 (lord Ketu) until 20 Dec, 2:56 pm IST |
| Moon rashi | Mesha |
| 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
Nearly full and brighter every night. Refine what you have, don’t start over.
The Moon in Taurus wants a proper dinner, a blanket and nobody rushing anybody. Slow is the right speed tonight.
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 21° | lost in the Sun’s glare |
| Venus | Scorpio 12° | morning sky, east |
| Mars | Virgo 7° | morning sky, east |
| Jupiter | Leo 26° ℞ retrograde | morning sky, east |
| Saturn | Aries 8° | evening sky, west |
Retrograde today: Jupiter. All retrograde dates.
Ursids meteor shower: peaks in 2 day(s), up to 10 meteors an hour from Ursa Minor. All meteor showers.
Questions
- What is the moon phase on 20 Dec 2026?
- Waxing Gibbous, 84% illuminated, with the Moon in Taurus (tropical) / Mesha (sidereal).
- What is the tithi on 20 Dec 2026?
- Shukla Ekadashi at sunrise in India, until 20 Dec, 8:16 pm IST.
- Which nakshatra is the Moon in on 20 Dec 2026?
- Ashwini (pada 3), ruled by Ketu, until 20 Dec, 2:56 pm IST.
- Is Mercury retrograde on 20 Dec 2026?
- No. Mercury is moving direct in Sagittarius.
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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