ZETIZEN RADAR CIREBON – The lunar conjunction is one of the most common astronomical phenomena. Most of the year, lunar conjunctions can occur. (cva)
Along with the observation of the new moon to determine the beginning of Ramadan 1442 Hijri by falakiyah experts, there is also the phenomenon of the conjunction of the solar moon and triple conjunctions of the Moon, Venus and the sun.
Triple conjunctions month that occurred on April 6-8 last, became celestial phenomenon which is special. Because, the Moon meets with two superior planets, namely planets Jupiter and Saturn.
So, what is the lunar conjunction?
Definition
The conjunction of the moon, is the meeting of the Moon with the Sun in the New Moon phase, when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, quoted from British.
Sometimes two or more celestial objects meet each other in the universe. Astronomers then call it a conjunction, to describe the meeting of these celestial bodies.
1. Inferior conjunction
Inferior conjunction is when an object passes between the Earth and the Sun.
Usually, astronomers associate this inferior conjunction with the planet Venus and the planet Mercury. This is because the two planets orbit between the Sun and the Moon, and are the two inferior planets in the Solar System
When the planets Venus and Mercury are in close proximity or approaching the inferior conjunction, the phenomenon of the conjunction of the moon with this planet cannot be seen from Earth, because they are both hidden in the sun.
2. Superior Conjunctions
This conjunction occurs when an object passes behind the Sun from our point of view.
In the conjunction of the moon with Venus or Mercury, half of their conjunction with the Sun is the inferior conjunction, and the other half superior conjunction.
Meanwhile, the superior planet will never be in inferior conjunction. These planets can never pass between Earth and the Sun. So, the superior planets have only superior conjunctions.
Solar Moon Conjunctions
From the official statement of the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (EIGHT), the solar lunar conjunction is the configuration when the Moon is located between the Sun and Earth. At the same time the Moon is also in line with the Sun and Earth.
The conjunction triple of the Moon, Venus, and the Sun
It is so called because under the conditions of the new moon phase, the Moon not only forms a conjunction with the Sun but also with Venus.
When the sun goes down, the Moon and Venus are close to each other with a separation angle of between 2.6 degrees to 2.55 degrees for 10-15 minutes before they set. This makes the Moon possibly a little difficult to observe even with tools. The appearance of these three celestial bodies, can end at nautical dawn (the time when there is enough sunlight to distinguish between the horizon and objects on the horizon) takes place.
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