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Question

Stars appear to be in a position different from its actual position due to

A
Dispersion of light
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B
Atmospheric refraction
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C
Reflection of light
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D
None of these
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Solution

The correct option is B Atmospheric refraction
The twinkling of a star is due to atmospheric refraction of starlight as starlight undergoes continuous refraction before it reaches the earth. The atmospheric refraction occurs in a medium of gradually changing refractive index. Since the atmosphere bends the starlight towards normal, the apparent position of the star appears to be slightly different from its actual position. The star appears slightly higher than its actual position when viewed near the horizon. This apparent position of the star is not stationary since the physical conditions of the earths atmosphere are not stationary and cause the path of the starlight reaching the earth to vary.

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