Which of the following planetary configurations is NOT possible for the planet Mercury?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Opposition is not possible for Mercury as it is an inferior planet, meaning that it orbits closer to the Sun than Earth does. Therefore, it can never be in opposition, which is when a planet is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The other options, inferior conjunction, superior conjunction, and greatest elongation, are all possible configurations for Mercury.

Which of the Following Planetary Configurations Is NOT Possible for the Planet