syzygy

astronomy

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July 14, 2026

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In astronomy, a syzygy refers to a nearly straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies within a gravitational system. This typically involves the Sun, Moon, and Earth.1

A common example of syzygy occurs during solar or lunar eclipses, when these three bodies align. Another instance is during spring tides, which happen near the new and full moon. At these times, the Sun and Moon are in syzygy, meaning they are aligned with the Earth. This alignment causes the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon to reinforce each other, resulting in the highest tidal ranges. The term "syzygy" originates from Greek words meaning "yoked together".12

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spring tide
…Sun and Moon are in syzygy—i.e., aligned with the Earth. Conjunction is the time during new moon when the Sun and Moon lie on the same side of the Earth. The other syzygy condition, opposition, occurs during full moon when the Sun and Moon are positioned on opposite sides of…
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…Sun and Moon are in syzygy—i.e., aligned with the Earth. Conjunction is the time during new moon when the Sun and Moon lie on the same side of the Earth. The other syzygy condition, opposition, occurs during full moon when the Sun and Moon are positioned on opposite sides of…
Read More

Today in History—March 10
The Day the Planets Aligned—and the World Didn’t End
Syzygy (SIZ-i-jee), the name given to such alignments, refers to any instance in which three or more celestial bodies sit in a row, such as during solar and lunar eclipses. The last time the planets had aligned like they did in 1982 was the year…
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Syzygy (SIZ-i-jee), the name given to such alignments, refers to any instance in which three or more celestial bodies sit in a row, such as during solar and lunar eclipses. The last time the planets had aligned like they did in 1982 was the year…
Read More