Question

Paheli and Boojho observe a bright object in the night sky that was not twinkling. Paheli says, it is a star and Boojho says it is a planet. Who is correct?

Answer 1

Step 1: Stars

1. The most well-known astronomical object is the star.
2. Thermonuclear fusion occurs in the core of the star, which produces its own light.
3. In comparison to planets, stars are larger.
4. Stars twinkle as a result of atmospheric refraction.

Step 2: Planet

1. The planet is a massive natural body that orbits around the sun but does not radiate energy from nuclear fusion reactions.
2. Planets don't have their own light, thus they simply reflect the light from the sun.
3. In comparison to stars, planets are much smaller and nearer.
4. Planets do not twinkle in the sky.

Therefore if there is any bright object in the night sky that is not twinkling, according to the preceding claims, the object may perhaps be a planet.

Hence, Boojho is right because only planets cannot twinkle whereas stars emit light from a far distance and they twinkle.