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Chapter 3: Problem 12

Which planets can never be seen at opposition? Which planets can never be seen at inferior conjunction? Explain your answers.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Mercury and Venus can never be seen at opposition, while Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune can never be seen at inferior conjunction.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the terms opposition and inferior conjunction

First, let's define the two terms mentioned in the problem. Opposition: When a celestial object, such as a planet, is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, it is said to be in opposition. This means that the planet, Earth, and Sun are aligned in a straight line with Earth in the middle. Inferior conjunction: When a celestial object, such as a planet, is directly between the Earth and the Sun, it is said to be at inferior conjunction. In this case, the planet, Earth, and Sun are again aligned in a straight line but with the planet in the middle.
02

Understand the position of planets in the solar system

To find the answer to the problem, we need to understand the position of planets in the solar system. Here's an ordered list of planets, starting closest to the Sun: 1. Mercury 2. Venus 3. Earth 4. Mars 5. Jupiter 6. Saturn 7. Uranus 8. Neptune
03

Determine the planets that can never be seen at opposition

Since Earth is our reference point in this problem, planets that can never be seen at opposition are those that are closer to the Sun than Earth. This is because, for a planet to be at opposition, it must be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. Planets closer to the Sun than Earth can never achieve this position. So, the planets that can never be seen at opposition are: 1. Mercury 2. Venus
04

Determine the planets that can never be seen at inferior conjunction

Similar to the previous step, planets that can never be seen at inferior conjunction are those that are further from the Sun than Earth. This is because, for a planet to be at inferior conjunction, it must be between the Earth and the Sun. Planets further away from the Sun than Earth can never achieve this position. So, the planets that can never be seen at inferior conjunction are: 1. Mars 2. Jupiter 3. Saturn 4. Uranus 5. Neptune Now we have the answer to the exercise: Mercury and Venus can never be seen at opposition, while Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune can never be seen at inferior conjunction.

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