Sky science
Solar Elongation
Direct answer
Solar Elongation is the apparent angular separation between a celestial object and the Sun in the observer’s sky.
It measures how far an object appears from the Sun.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related
- Geometric Albedo, Phase Angle, Greatest Elongation, Astronomical Opposition
It measures how far an object appears from the Sun.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.
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The story behind Solar Elongation
Almanacs long tabulated elongations for planetary observation and navigation.
A one-minute story
The Wandering Stars
How the moving planets were watched, named and found, and what a transit is.
Why Solar Elongation matters
Solar Elongation helps assess twilight visibility and inner-planet configurations.
How to read Solar Elongation
Combine elongation with altitude, brightness, latitude, weather, and horizon.
Solar Elongation in practice: an example
Mercury at modest eastern elongation may appear briefly after sunset.
Where readings of Solar Elongation go wrong
A large elongation does not guarantee darkness or a clear local horizon.
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
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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Common questions
What is Solar Elongation?
Solar Elongation is the apparent angular separation between a celestial object and the Sun in the observer’s sky.
What do people get wrong about Solar Elongation?
A large elongation does not guarantee darkness or a clear local horizon.
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