inferior conjunction

[in-feer-ee-er kuhn-juhngk-shuhn]

noun

Astronomy.

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

inferior conjunction

1. See under conjunction

Word History and Origins

Origin of inferior conjunction¹

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.

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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.

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At superior conjunction it ought, being then farthest away, to show the smallest disc; while at inferior conjunction, being the nearest, it should look much larger.

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When at inferior conjunction Venus approaches nearer to the Earth than any other planet, its distance then being 27,000,000 miles.

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Mercury or Venus is said to be in inferior conjunction, when it is situated in the same longitude as the sun, and between that luminary and the earth.

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