Single correct option
The twinkling of stars is due to
- A. reflection of light from the Moon
- B. scattering of light by dust
- C. atmospheric refraction of starlight
- D. dispersion of light in the stratosphere
Show answer and solution
Answer: (C) atmospheric refraction of starlight
Starlight passes through layers of air whose density and refractive index vary continuously and fluctuate. The path bends randomly, so the apparent position and brightness of the star flicker. Planets are nearer and act as extended sources, so the variations average out and they do not twinkle. Scattering explains the blue sky, not twinkling.
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