Inferior and Superior Planets
Inferior planets have orbits that are closer to the Sun than is Earth's orbit.
Superior planets have orbits that are farther from the Sun than Earth's orbit.
Inferior planets have orbits that are closer to the Sun than is Earth's orbit.
Superior planets have orbits that are farther from the Sun than Earth's orbit.
Inferior Conjunction. An inferior planet is said to be "in inferior conjunction" when it is directly between the Earth and the Sun.
Superior Conjunction. An inferior planet is said to be "in superior conjunction" when it is on the opposite side of the Sun from the Earth.
Conjunction. A superior planet is "in conjunction" when it is on the opposite side of the Sun from the Earth. There is no equlivelant of an inferior conjunction for a superior planet, as it never passes between the earth and the sun.
Opposition. A superior planet is said to be "in opposition" when it is directly on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. This is generally the closest it comes to the Earth and the time at which it is most easily visible.
Aphelion the point on its orbit when a body is farthest from the sun.
Perihelion the point on its orbit when a body is closest to the sun.