(2) Explain twinkling of a star. Why does a planet not twinkle?

1.	(2) Explain twinkling of a star. Why does a planet not twinkle?
Answer» The twinkling of stars is due to atmospheric refraction. When light from a distant source (a star) passes through our turbulent (moving air) atmosphere, it undergoes refraction many times. When we finally perceive this light from a star, it appears to be twinkling! This is because some of the light rays reach us directly and some bends away from and toward us. Planets do not twinkle because they are non-luminescent bodies. Only luminescent celestial bodies ( stars)emit light continuously and this light then passes through the atmosphere of varying densities they seem to twinkle due to atmospheric multiple refractions. That is why stars twinkle but planets do not.

Answer»

The twinkling of stars is due to atmospheric refraction. When light from a distant source (a star) passes through our turbulent (moving air) atmosphere, it undergoes refraction many times. When we finally perceive this light from a star, it appears to be twinkling! This is because some of the light rays reach us directly and some bends away from and toward us.

Planets do not twinkle because they are non-luminescent bodies. Only luminescent celestial bodies ( stars)emit light continuously and this light then passes through the atmosphere of varying densities they seem to twinkle due to atmospheric multiple refractions. That is why stars twinkle but planets do not.

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