Mercury retrograde
Periods when Mercuryappears to move backward in the sky relative to Earth's reference frame. Computed from astronomical motion, not interpreted.
Right now
Is Mercury retrograde?
Direct motion
Mercury at Gemini 25° 58′ 34″
2026 retrograde periods
| Station retrograde | Station direct | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-26 | 2026-03-21 | 23 days |
| 2026-06-30 | 2026-07-24 | 24 days |
| 2026-10-24 | 2026-11-14 | 21 days |
2027 retrograde periods
| Station retrograde | Station direct | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2027-02-10 | 2027-03-04 | 22 days |
| 2027-06-11 | 2027-07-05 | 24 days |
| 2027-10-08 | 2027-10-29 | 21 days |
Mercury retrograde frequency
Mercury is geocentrically retrograde about three times per year, for ~3 weeks each time. The apparent reversal is not actual backward motion in space — it is a geometric effect of Earth's and Mercury's differing orbital speeds.
Other planets' retrograde
Reference, not advice
This is cultural and astronomical reference, not personal prediction or advice.
Periods computed by sampling Mercury's geocentric ecliptic longitude at daily intervals and identifying days where the 24-hour delta is negative. Edge dates may differ by ±1 day from ephemeris stations. This page does not recommend or warn against any personal activity.
Last reviewed .