Topic: Atmospheric Refraction.
Why do stars seem higher than they actually are?
Hey.
That is not the actual position of the star Please listen.
Please, listen.
Fine.
Then bear the consequences.
See.
I told you.
Do you know why this happens?
This happens because of atmospheric refraction.
Atmospheric refraction is the refraction or bending of light caused by the earth's atmosphere.
It went over your head, right?
No worries.
Let me explain it to you in detail.
In the earth's atmosphere, the air closer to the earth's surface is denser due to gravity.
But as we move higher, the air density goes on decreasing.
This forms different media of air.
The layer of air closer to the earth's surface forms the denser medium.
While the layer of air higher up in the sky forms the rarer medium.
Now, when the light of a star enters our atmosphere and passes from one medium to another.
Atmospheric refraction takes place and the light bends.
When this light reaches our eyes, our eyes trace it backward as a straight line.
Due to this, the light appears to come from a higher point.
Hence, the star seems to be higher than it actually is.