Question

What is meant by atmospheric refraction of light? Explain the following natural phenomena by using the concept of atmospheric refraction: (a) Twinkling of stars (b) Flickering of objects seen through a turbulent stream of hot air

Accepted Answer

0. - **Atmospheric Refraction:** The refraction of light caused by Earth's atmosphere having air layers of varying optical densities/refractive indices. - **(a) Twinkling of stars:** Light from distant point-like stars passes through continuously fluctuating atmospheric layers, causing the apparent position and brightness of the star to fluctuate continuously. - **(b) Flickering:** Hot air above a fire is less dense than cool air above it. The refractive index of hot air fluctuates rapidly, causing light passing through it to continuously bend randomly.

Atmospheric Refraction Phenomena

Explanation

Practise this under board exam conditions