Question

Explain why the planets do not twinkle but the stars twinkle.

Answer 1

Step 1: Atmospheric Refraction

1. Light refraction occurs when light rays pass through layers of varying densities and refractive indices in the atmosphere.
2. The density and refractive indices of the air vary depending on location.
3. Atmospheric refraction is the refraction of a light ray by the atmosphere.

Step 2: The planets do not twinkle but the stars twinkle:

The Stars:

1. The twinkling of stars is caused due to the atmospheric refraction of the light emitted by them.
2. When light from a star enters the earth's atmosphere from a large distance, it is refracted due to the various densities of the air.
3. Due to the refraction of light, the change in the position of the star takes place.
4. This causes the twinkling of the stars.

The Planets:

1. Planets are very close to the earth as compared to the star.
2. The intensity of light emitted from them is very high.
3. We can't observe a little variation in their brightness.
4. That's why the planets don't twinkle.