Motion

Conjunction & Opposition

5.8 - Understand the terms:
a) conjunction (superior and inferior)
b) opposition

Conjunction

Conjunction refers to when a planet is in front or behind the Sun as viewed from Earth.

When a planet lies on the furthest side of the Sun from the Earth it is said to be in superior conjunction.

When this occurs to an inferior planet in front of the Sun, an inferior conjunction takes place. Sometimes the term is used to describe a gathering of planets in a region of the sky. 

Opposition

Opposition is when a planet is opposite the Earth from the Sun. This is when we are able to observe it best, as it is normally nearest Earth at this point. Opposition is typically used to describe a superior planet’s position.