conjunction

Definition: conjunction: An inferior planet (closer to the sun than Earth - Mercury and Venus) is said to be "in inferior conjunction" when it is directly between the Earth and the Sun. It is "in superior conjunction" when it is on the opposite side of the Sun from the Earth. The superior planets (the six planets farther from the Sun than Earth) are "in conjunction" when it is on the opposite side of the Sun from the Earth. A superior planet obviously cannot have an inferior conjunction. When the Earth is at inferior conjunction with respect to an observer on a superior planet we say that planet is "in opposition" from Earth's perspective.