Explain with the use of a label diagram why stars appear to be higher than they are?
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Solution
Refraction:
Refraction is the bending of a wave when it passes from one medium to another. The bending is caused due to the differences in density between the two substances.
The starlight undergoes several refractions while reaching the Earth. This atmospheric refraction occurs in a medium of gradually changing refractive index.
A light ray refracts whenever it travels at an angle into a medium of a different refractive index. This change in speed results in a change in direction. As an example, consider air traveling into water. The speed of light decreases as it continues to travel at a different angle.
Explanation:
The stars appear to be higher than they actually are because of air refraction. It can be understood with the assistance of the diagram below. The star's light gets refracted (bent) as it leaves space and enters the earth's atmosphere. Air at higher altitudes is rare, but it gets denser as it gets closer to the earth's surface.
As a result, the light from the star descends, and the dense air bends it more. Thus, due to the refraction of the star's light, the star appears to be in a higher position than it actually is.
