Solution Found!
Light rays from stars (including our Sun) always bend
Chapter 32, Problem 17Q(choose chapter or problem)
Problem 17Q
Light rays from stars (including our Sun) always bend toward the vertical direction as they pass through the Earth's atmosphere. (a) Why does this make sense? (b)What can you conclude about the apparent positions of stars as viewed from Earth? Draw a circle for Earth, a dot for you, and 3 or 4 stars at different angles.
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Problem 17Q
Light rays from stars (including our Sun) always bend toward the vertical direction as they pass through the Earth's atmosphere. (a) Why does this make sense? (b)What can you conclude about the apparent positions of stars as viewed from Earth? Draw a circle for Earth, a dot for you, and 3 or 4 stars at different angles.
ANSWER:
Solution 17Q
We do determine the location of appearance of star to the observer on the Earth’s surface and in space.
Step 1 of 3
Concept
Refraction: The phenomenon of bending of light as it passes obliquely from one transparent medium to another medium is called refraction of light.
When the light rays travel from denser to rarer medium, they bent away from the normal and when the light rays travel from rarer to denser medium, they bent towards the normal.
The Earth’s atmosphere has a very small yet finite refractive index which causes light coming to Earth from stars to bend toward the vertical