Astrophysics (Index)About

opposition

(positioning of two astronomical objects 180 degrees apart in the sky)

Opposition is the positioning of two astronomical objects (e.g., planets) so they are 180 degrees apart on the celestial sphere, e.g., as seen from Earth. This implies the three form a line, such a positioning termed a syzygy. For example, if Jupiter is positioned so Earth is on the line between it and the Sun, then the three form a syzygy and Jupiter and the Sun are in opposition.


(astronomy)
Further reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opposition_(planets)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syzygy_(astronomy)
https://astronomy.swin.edu.au/cosmos/o/Opposition
https://astro4edu.org/resources/glossary/term/228/
https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/what-planet-opposition

Referenced by pages:
celestial event
orbital period

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