Figure 1
-Based on Figure 1, a superior planet would be seen high overhead at midnight:
A) when at opposition
B) when at eastern quadrature
C) when at conjunction
D) when at western quadrature
E) throughout its orbit

Question

Figure 1
-Based on Figure 1, a superior planet would be seen high overhead at midnight:
A) when at opposition 
B) when at eastern quadrature 
C) when at conjunction 
D) when at western quadrature 
E) throughout its orbit

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Figure 1, the position of the superior planet at midnight changes as it orbits the sun. At opposition, the planet is directly opposite the sun in the sky, and therefore high overhead at midnight. Eastern and western quadrature refer to when the planet is at a right angle to the sun, and conjunction is when it is between the Earth and the sun. These positions do not necessarily correspond to the planet being high overhead at midnight. Therefore, the best choice is A, when the superior planet is at opposition.

Figure 1 -Based on Figure 1, a Superior Planet Would Be Seen