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

/ ĭn-fîr′ē-ər /

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.

From Washington Post

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 Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg