What configuration describes the Evening Star when it is visible in the west following sunset?
Answer
Greatest eastern elongation
The visibility as the Evening Star means Venus is setting in the west shortly after the Sun has set. This configuration occurs when Venus is moving away from the Sun in the sky, reaching its maximum angular separation in the eastern part of its orbit relative to the Sun as viewed from Earth. This configuration is formally termed greatest eastern elongation. Conversely, when Venus reaches its maximum separation on the opposite side of the sky, appearing in the east before sunrise, it is referred to as greatest western elongation, marking its appearance as the Morning Star.
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