Question

Arrange the following planets in increasing order of their 'Asta-kalasha' (Arc of visibility/setting degrees):
A. Neechasthah Shukrah (Venus at perigee)
B. Guruh (Jupiter)
C. Shanih (Saturn)
D. Mangalah (Mars)
E. Margi Budhah (Direct Mercury)

• A. B, D, C, E, A
• B. A, B, E, C, D
• C. E, B, D, C, A
• D. A, C, D, B, E

Hint:

Venus is the brightest, so it has the smallest arc ($8^\circ$ or $10^\circ$). Mars is relatively dim compared to its size in this context, requiring the largest arc ($17^\circ$).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
'Asta-kalasha' (or Kalatmakam) refers to the minimum angular distance the Sun must be away from a planet for that planet to be visible. If a planet is closer to the Sun than this limit, it is considered 'Asta' (combust/set). Brighter planets need a smaller distance to be seen, while fainter planets need a larger distance.

Step 2: Standard Values from Surya Siddhanta:
According to the Surya Siddhanta, the required arc of visibility for the planets (in degrees) is:
- Moon: $12^\circ$
- Jupiter (B): $11^\circ$
- Venus (A): $10^\circ$ (Direct). However, when Venus is near perigee (Neecha/Retrograde), it is much larger and brighter, so the limit is reduced to $8^\circ$.
- Mercury (E): $14^\circ$ (Direct), $12^\circ$ (Retrograde).
- Saturn (C): $15^\circ$
- Mars (D): $17^\circ$

Step 3: Sequential Arrangement:
Let's list the given values in increasing order:
1. $8^\circ$ : A (Neechasthah Shukrah)
2. $11^\circ$ : B (Guruh)
3. $14^\circ$ : E (Margi Budhah)
4. $15^\circ$ : C (Shanih)
5. $17^\circ$ : D (Mangalah)
Sequence: A, B, E, C, D.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct increasing order is A, B, E, C, D.