astronomical refraction Comparison Table

Astronomy View all facts Glossary Help

physical phenomena > process > physical process > optical process > radiation modification > radiation direction modification > refraction > astronomical refraction

Up: refraction

astronomical refraction comparison table

Subject is a kind of has definition

refraction radiation direction modification Deflection (or "bending") of light - or any ray as it passes from one medium into another of greater or lesser density, representing a change in overall speed of the ray. Refracting telescopes rely on the refraction of light through lenses. The refractive index of a medium (e.g., glass) is a measure of the medium's "bending" power.

astronomical refraction refraction The change in direction of travel (bending) of a light ray as it passes obliquely through the atmosphere. As a result of refraction, the observed altitude of a celestial object is greater than its geometric altitude. The amount of refraction depends on the altitude of the object and on atmospheric conditions.

Subject	is a kind of	has definition
refraction	radiation direction modification	Deflection (or "bending") of light - or any ray as it passes from one medium into another of greater or lesser density, representing a change in overall speed of the ray. Refracting telescopes rely on the refraction of light through lenses. The refractive index of a medium (e.g., glass) is a measure of the medium's "bending" power.
astronomical refraction	refraction	The change in direction of travel (bending) of a light ray as it passes obliquely through the atmosphere. As a result of refraction, the observed altitude of a celestial object is greater than its geometric altitude. The amount of refraction depends on the altitude of the object and on atmospheric conditions.

Up: refraction