Calculation first. Meaning with context.

Methodology

Solunari starts with astronomical calculations, then adds astrological context. Here is how we turn a moment in time into a readable view of the sky.

Where do the positions come from?

We use Astronomy Engine to calculate the Sun, Moon and planets as seen from Earth. Their positions are measured along the ecliptic, the path of the Sun, and assigned to the twelve equal signs of the tropical zodiac.

What does “current sky” mean?

It is a shared view of the sky at the displayed time, not a personal birth chart. Artwork illustrates the calculated positions; sizes and distances in the scene are for readability, not astronomical scale.

Which time is used, and when does it update?

Public sky times use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The displayed timestamp identifies the calculation. Visiting or refreshing the page updates the view; the time explorer uses hourly samples. Horoscope periods follow the editorial calendar shown on their pages.

What is calculated, and what is interpretation?

Planet positions, motion and event times are calculated. Meanings and forecasts are interpretations from our knowledge library and editorial or AI-assisted writing. They are for reflection, not scientific predictions. Missing event times remain unknown.

What do direct and retrograde mean?

Direct means a planet’s zodiac position is moving forward as seen from Earth; retrograde means it appears to move backward. Near a turning point, motion may be marked uncertain. The planet does not physically reverse its orbit.

Why can another site show a different value?

Compare the timestamp, time zone and zodiac system first. Differences in rounding, astronomical corrections and calculation methods can produce small changes. A personal chart also depends on birth time, location and house system.

Sources

Knowledge and sources

Explore the source and calculation choices below. Full reproducibility data is available in a separate disclosure.

Technical calculation details

For reproducibility and advanced review.

Astronomical source: Astronomy Engine · 2.1.19
Time standard: UTC
Position reference: Earth-centred positions in the tropical zodiac, using the ecliptic of the calculation date.
Astronomical corrections: Planet positions account for light travel time and aberration; the Moon uses its geometric position.
Motion method: Forward or backward motion is measured from changes in calculated longitude.

Raw reproducibility data

{
  "provenance": {
    "coreVersion": "0.2.0",
    "schemaVersion": "1.0.0",
    "provider": "astronomy-engine",
    "providerVersion": "2.1.19",
    "frame": "GEOCENTRIC_TRUE_ECLIPTIC_OF_DATE",
    "planetCorrections": "LIGHT_TIME_AND_ABERRATION",
    "moonCorrections": "GEOMETRIC_GEOMOON_NO_ABERRATION",
    "siderealTime": "GREENWICH_APPARENT_UT1_APPROX_UTC",
    "obliquity": "TRUE_OF_DATE",
    "deltaT": "AE_ESPENAK_MEEUS_DEFAULT",
    "motionPolicy": "WRAPPED_CENTRAL_DIFFERENCE_V1",
    "runtime": {
      "node": "22.23.2",
      "icu": "78.2",
      "tzdb": "2026a",
      "temporal": "@js-temporal/polyfill@0.5.1"
    }
  },
  "settings": {
    "version": "1.0.0",
    "zodiac": "TROPICAL",
    "houseSystem": "WHOLE_SIGN",
    "bodies": [
      "Sun",
      "Moon",
      "Mercury",
      "Venus",
      "Mars",
      "Jupiter",
      "Saturn",
      "Uranus",
      "Neptune",
      "Pluto"
    ],
    "motion": {
      "stepDays": 0.041666666666666664,
      "stationaryThresholdDegPerDay": 0.005
    },
    "aspects": [
      {
        "type": "CONJUNCTION",
        "angleDeg": 0,
        "maxOrbDeg": 6
      },
      {
        "type": "SEXTILE",
        "angleDeg": 60,
        "maxOrbDeg": 6
      },
      {
        "type": "SQUARE",
        "angleDeg": 90,
        "maxOrbDeg": 6
      },
      {
        "type": "TRINE",
        "angleDeg": 120,
        "maxOrbDeg": 6
      },
      {
        "type": "OPPOSITION",
        "angleDeg": 180,
        "maxOrbDeg": 6
      }
    ]
  },
  "timeZone": "UTC",
  "periodPolicy": "PUBLIC_EDITORIAL_UTC_V1",
  "eventWindow": "60 days before / 120 days after; missing ingress times remain unknown"
}