Dictionary term
Astronomical Opposition
Direct answer
Astronomical Opposition occurs when a Solar System body appears roughly opposite the Sun in Earth’s sky.
It is a Sun-Earth-object alignment in longitude.
It is a Sun-Earth-object alignment in longitude.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use full ephemeris geometry rather than longitude alone for precise separation and distance.
- Do not use it for
- Opposition is an astronomical configuration, not an astrological aspect or guaranteed closest approach.
- Reference category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related terms
- Solar Elongation, Greatest Elongation, Inferior Conjunction, Superior Conjunction
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The story behind Astronomical Opposition
Opposition timing became a central feature of planetary observing almanacs.
Astronomical Opposition in spiritual tradition
Clear naming keeps measured alignment distinct from symbolic language.
Astronomical Opposition: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual astronomy reference. It can support wonder at the created order without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Astronomical Opposition in numerology
Astronomical Opposition is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Astronomical Opposition matters
Outer planets are commonly visible much of the night and often relatively near Earth around opposition.
Astronomical Opposition at work: an example
Mars rises near sunset around opposition and culminates near local midnight.
Where interpretation stops
Astronomical Opposition is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Almanac Glossary - Definitions for astronomical coordinates, time, reference systems, and observable phenomena.
- NASA Science: Skywatching FAQ - NASA guidance for observing stars, planets, constellations, and changing sky events.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Also appears in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Observe an outer planet at opposition
Astronomical Opposition in a book is one thing; Astronomical Opposition in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
Speak with the OracleRelated terms
More in Astronomy & Skywatching
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Common questions
What is Astronomical Opposition?
Astronomical Opposition occurs when a Solar System body appears roughly opposite the Sun in Earth’s sky.
How is Astronomical Opposition used in an almanac?
Use full ephemeris geometry rather than longitude alone for precise separation and distance.
What should I avoid when interpreting Astronomical Opposition?
Opposition is an astronomical configuration, not an astrological aspect or guaranteed closest approach.
