What event occurs when Venus passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, causing it to vanish?
Answer
Inferior conjunction.
Inferior conjunction is the specific orbital configuration where Venus passes directly between the Earth and the Sun in the line of sight. During this event, the planet is positioned so closely to the Sun that its light is completely overwhelmed by the Sun's glare, making it impossible to observe safely or at all for a period spanning weeks or even months. This alignment necessitates the transition of Venus from being seen as the Evening Star to becoming the Morning Star, or vice versa, as it swings to the opposite side of the Sun relative to Earth.
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