Neptune (Planet)

From Columbus , Neptune is not observable – it will reach its highest point in the sky during daytime and is no higher than 9° above the horizon at dawn.
Name
Neptune
|
Object type
Superior planet
|
Computed for: | 15 May 2025 |
Right ascension: | 00h06m [2] |
Declination: | −00°43' [2] |
Constellation: | Pisces |
Magnitude: | 7.93 (V) [1] |
Angular diameter: | 2.2 arcsec[2] |
Distance: | 30.49 AU 253.55 lightmin [2] |
Angular motion (speed): | 1.55 arcmin/day[2] |
Angular motion (pos ang): | 68.1° |
Semi-major axis: | 30.07 AU |
Eccentricity: | 0.008590 |
Inclination: | 1.77° |
Longitude ascending node: | 131.78° |
Argument of perihelion: | -86.82° |
Epoch of elements: | 01 January 2000 |
Mean Anomaly at epoch: | -100.08° |
Absolute mag (H): | -6.87 [1] |
Slope parameter (n): | 2.00 [1] |
Perihelion: | 29.81 AU |
Aphelion: | 30.33 AU |
Orbital period: | 164.89 years |
[1] | Robin M. Green, Spherical Astronomy, 1985, ISBN 0-521-31779-7 |
[2] | Explanatory Supplement to the Astronomical Almanac, 2013, Urban & Seidelmann, Eds., Table 8.7, ISBN 978-1-891389-85-6 |
All times shown in Columbus local time.
04 Jul 2025 | – Neptune enters retrograde motion |
23 Sep 2025 | – Neptune at opposition |
10 Dec 2025 | – Neptune ends retrograde motion |
22 Mar 2026 | – Neptune at solar conjunction |
07 Jul 2026 | – Neptune enters retrograde motion |
25 Sep 2026 | – Neptune at opposition |
12 Dec 2026 | – Neptune ends retrograde motion |
24 Mar 2027 | – Neptune at solar conjunction |