Q. Consider the following statements:
1. Planetary conjunction takes place when two planets appear to have come closer, while in reality, they remain far away.
2. The planetary conjunction of Mars and Venus is called as Great conjunction.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A
Notes:
  • Earth’s two immediate neighbors Mars and Venus will come closest to each other. This event is called planetary conjunction.
  • Conjunction: The conjunction is the name given to any event where planets or asteroids appear to be very close together in the sky when viewed from the Earth.
  • Planetary Conjunction: Planetary conjunction takes place when two planets appear to have come closer, while in reality, they remain far away.

What is Great Conjunction?

  • Astronomers use the term great conjunction to describe meetings of the two biggest planets in the solar system, Jupiter and Saturn.
  • The Great Conjunction happens once in about 20 years, because of the time each of the planets takes to orbit around the Sun.

Source: ForumIAS

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