a. Opposition
b. Inferior conjunction
c. Greatest eastern elongation
d. Superior conjunction
e. Greatest western elongation
2006-09-26 07:59:44 · 6 answers · asked by Roman K 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
D. Superior conjunction - right through the sun.
Opposition is for the planets beyond the Earth, having the Earth between the sun and planet, but would still not make it the furthest point for outer planets.
Inferior conjunction is near closest.
Elongation is when the planet reaches its outside end of orbit relative to us and begins to return.
Astronomy websites that I use include. www.skypub.com and www.astronomy.com
2006-09-26 08:14:37 · answer #1 · answered by superlott 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
D Superior Conjunction - in line on opposite side of sun
Opposition is the outer planets in relation to the earth
Greatest eastern and western elongation is the angular distance between the sun and planet in respect to earth
Inferior conjunction is in line with the sun but between the earth and the sun
2006-09-26 15:18:45 · answer #2 · answered by orion_1812@yahoo.com 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The answer is D, Superior Conjunction.
In this position, the distance to Mars = the distance from the earth to the sun + the distance from Mars to the sun.
During opposition, the distance to mars = the distance from the sun to Mars - the distance from the earth to Mars. Superior (meaning farther away from the sun than the earth) are always closer during oppostion than conjunction.
2006-09-26 15:34:44 · answer #3 · answered by sparc77 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) You can't assume circular orbits. Nothing in the solar system has one.
2) Are you cheating on your homework here?
2006-09-26 15:47:21 · answer #4 · answered by MaryBridget G 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I forget the exact numbers of miles in distances, but the orbits aren't circular; they're elliptical.
2006-09-26 15:01:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Opposition, they are the farthest apart, heavens-above is a good astronomy web site. Gene
2006-09-26 15:09:03 · answer #6 · answered by Gene H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋