why do stars twinkle and planet's do not
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Hey Friend,
Planets are very close to us as compared to stars. Their apparent position also changes with the change in density of layers of atmosphere. However, unlike the image of stars, the size of image of planets is fairly large and it does not fall outside the line of sight. Hence, planets do not twinkle.
The phenomenon we are discussing about here is Atmospheric Refraction!
When light rays coming from star enter the atmosphere, they bend towards the normal. And when these rays reach the eye, the eye traces the straight line path.
Twinkling of stars can be explained by saying that as the layers of air of different densities mix, they change the apparent position of the star. Star is far away from the earth and the apparent image of star formed is point sized (highly diminished).Thus, star is visible when it is in the line of sight and not visible when they are out of line of sight. The combined effect causes twinkling.
Hope it helps!
Planets are very close to us as compared to stars. Their apparent position also changes with the change in density of layers of atmosphere. However, unlike the image of stars, the size of image of planets is fairly large and it does not fall outside the line of sight. Hence, planets do not twinkle.
The phenomenon we are discussing about here is Atmospheric Refraction!
When light rays coming from star enter the atmosphere, they bend towards the normal. And when these rays reach the eye, the eye traces the straight line path.
Twinkling of stars can be explained by saying that as the layers of air of different densities mix, they change the apparent position of the star. Star is far away from the earth and the apparent image of star formed is point sized (highly diminished).Thus, star is visible when it is in the line of sight and not visible when they are out of line of sight. The combined effect causes twinkling.
Hope it helps!
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