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Question
The stars appear higher from horizon than they actually are. Explain why it is so.
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Solution
Stars appear slightly higher from the horizon due to atmospheric refraction. The atmosphere bends the starlight towards the normal. This apparent positioning is not stationary but keeps changing.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
What is atmospheric refraction? Use this phenomenon to explain the following natural events:
Advanced sun-rise and delayed sun-set.
Draw diagrams to illustrate your answers.
The correct sequencing of angle of incidence, angle of emergence, angle of refraction and lateral displacement shown in the following diagram by digits 1, 2, 3 and 4 is:
(a) 2, 4, 1, 3
(b) 2, 1, 4, 3
(c) 1, 2, 4, 3
(d) 2, 1, 3, 4
Name two effects produced by the atmospheric refraction.
Why do stars seem higher than they actually are? Illustrate your answer with the help of a diagram.
What is atmospheric refraction?
We know that light refracts (or bends) when it goes from one medium to another. Now, the atmosphere contains only air. Then how does light get refracted on passing through only air in the atmosphere?
By how much time the day would have been shorter if the earth had no atmosphere?
A student claims that because of atmospheric refraction, the sun can be seen after it has set, and the day is, therefore, longer than if the earth had no atmosphere.
- What does the student mean by saying that the sun can be seen after it has set?
- Do you think that the students’ conclusion is correct?
Which of the following is not caused by the atmospheric refraction of light?
(a) twinkling of stars at night
(b) sun appearing higher in the sky than it actually is
(c) sun becoming visible two minutes before actual sunrise
(d) sun appearing red at sunset
Explain why the planets do not twinkle but the stars twinkle.
