Inferior Planet-Superior Planet Conjunctions are usually characterized by three distinct periods. Because of Mercury's greater inclination to the ecliptic plane, close conjunctions are the exception. The number of events shown can be used to consider cumulative percentage of a given separation range. If one evaluate 100 consecutive events during any period, very similar curves will result. Separations greater than 10 degrees can occur between Mercury and Venus.
Separation is in arc minutes.
For 500 events, planet pair and solar separation are shown here and for percent of minimum separation. . The shortest period constitutes multiple conjunctions, while the longer periods are single conjunction events. The longest interval occurs when a multiple conjunction set is skipped. The shortest period constitutes multiple conjunctions, while the longer periods are single conjunction events. The longest interval occurs when a multiple conjunction set is skipped.