Refraction of light by the atmosphere is responsible for
A) scintillation of starlight.
B) mirages.
C) causing the sun to appear to flatten-out on the horizon.
D) increasing the length of daylight.
E) all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Refraction of light by the atmosphere is responsible for all of the given phenomena. Scintillation of starlight occurs due to refraction of light by the turbulent layers of the atmosphere. Mirages occur due to the refraction of light by layers of air having different temperatures. The apparent flattening of the sun on the horizon occurs due to refraction of sunlight by the Earth's atmosphere. The refraction also affects the angle at which light reaches the surface, which can affect the length of daylight.

Refraction of Light by the Atmosphere Is Responsible for