NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Superior planet

The terms "inferior planet" and "superior planet" were coined by Copernicus to distinguish a planet's orbit's size in relation to the Earth's.

"Inferior planet" is used in reference to Mercury and Venus, which are closer to the Sun than the Earth is.

"Superior planet" is used in reference to Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, which are farther from the Sun than the Earth is.

The terms are sometimes used more generally: for instance, the Earth is an inferior planet as seen from Mars.

Results from FactBites:

Astronomy Answers: Planetary Phenomena (1674 words)
	A superior planet is in opposition to the Sun if the difference between the geocentric ecliptical longitude of the planet and of the Sun is closest to 180 degrees, so it is less just before and just after that moment.
	The elongation is roughly equal to the distance, in the sky, of the planet from the Sun, measured in degrees.
	The greatest possible elongation of a superior planet is always 180 degrees, when the planet is in opposition and therefore as far as possible from the Sun in the sky.

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