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Is Sirius in Conjunction with the Sun on July 4 Each Year?

-- David | January 28, 2024

Question:

Hi, I have heard that Sirius passes closest to the Sun as viewed from Earth (conjuncts) on 4th July each year. Is this true?

Thanks!

David

-- David

Answer:

No. It is true that Sirius is above the horizon during a good part of the day during the month of July each year, but since Sirius is located at a declination of -16 degrees, and the Sun is at a declination of about +22 degrees in July, the Sun and Sirius are more than about 45 degrees apart in the summer sky.

-- Jeff Mangum

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