Did you know that we actually see the sunrise about 2 minutes earlier than the actual sunrise? Also, the sunset that we witness is of the sun that has already set? It is fascinating to learn that the position of the sun varies so much from its actual position. This is because of the phenomenon known as atmospheric refraction.
What Is Refraction?
The phenomenon in which the waves undergo a change in direction when it passes from one medium to another is known as refraction. The refraction of light is the most commonly observed phenomenon. Refraction of light is defined as the phenomenon in which the light bends while travelling from one transparent substance to another.
Read More: Refraction of Light
What is Atmospheric Refraction?
Atmospheric refraction is defined as the refraction of light by the earth’s atmosphere. The earth’s atmosphere has different layers with different optical densities. When an object transmits light rays in the atmosphere, the light travels through these different layers and gets refracted.
Advanced Sunrise Explanation
During sunrise, the sun is rising above the horizon. The rays from the sun get refracted as they travel from more dense air to less dense air. Also, the human eye sees the sun rays as a straight line, which appears as the sun has risen. But it has actually not yet risen.
Delayed Sunset Explanation
The sun, after sunset, is setting below the horizon. Now, the apparent position of the sun is visible to us and not the actual position. This is because of the atmospheric refraction.
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