Solar conjunction

Solar conjunction occurs when a planet or other solar system object is on the opposite side of the sun from the Earth. From an Earth reference, the object will pass behind the sun. Communication with any spacecraft in solar conjunction will be severely limited due to the sun's blocking radio transmissions from the spacecraft. The term can also refer to the passage of the line of sight to an interior planet (Mercury or Venus) being very close to the solar disk. If the planet passes directly in front of the sun, a solar transit occurs.

See also

• Conjunction (astronomy and astrology)