inferior conjunction

American  

[in-feer-ee-er kuhn-juhngk-shuhn] / ɪnˈfɪər i ər kənˈdʒʌŋk ʃən /

noun

Astronomy.

1. the alignment of an inferior planet between the sun and the earth.

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inferior conjunction Scientific  

/ ĭn-fîr′ē-ər /

1. See under conjunction

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Etymology

Origin of inferior conjunction

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

This bright and effervescent neighbor — at -4.2 magnitude, according to the United States Naval Observatory — reaches inferior conjunction on Jan. 8, which means that Venus moves between the sun and Earth.

From Washington Post • Jan. 1, 2022

We were ready to start at the time of the next inferior conjunction of Mercury with the earth.

From The Fire People by Cummings, Ray

The crescent phase can be seen with a powerful glass near inferior conjunction, and, even when the form of the planet can not be discerned, its exceeding brilliancy makes it an attractive object.

From Astronomy with an Opera-glass A Popular Introduction to the Study of the Starry Heavens with the Simplest of Optical Instruments by Serviss, Garrett Putman

This unusual brightness occurs when Venus is about five weeks before or after her inferior conjunction, and also nearest overhead by being north of the sun.

From Recreations in Astronomy With Directions for Practical Experiments and Telescopic Work by Warren, Henry White

It becomes narrower and sharper as it approaches inferior conjunction, until it resembles a curved luminous thread prior to its disappearance at the conjunction.

From The Astronomy of Milton's 'Paradise Lost' by Orchard, Thomas Nathaniel