In astronomy, a syzygy /ˈsɪzɨdʒi/ (from the Ancient Greek suzugos (σύζυγος) meaning, "yoked together") is a straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies in a gravitational system. The word is often used in reference to the Sun, Earth, and either the Moon or a planet, where the latter is in conjunction or opposition. Solar and lunar eclipses occur at times of syzygy, as do transits and occultations. The term is often applied when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction (new moon) or opposition (full moon). The word syzygy is often loosely used to describe interesting configurations of planets...