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Does atmospheric refraction only work at certain temperatures, distances, and shape of the object (i.e. only spheres)?
Can you post a few links to what you are asking about? That would help us to reply. Thanks.Does atmospheric refraction only work at certain temperatures, distances, and shape of the object (i.e. only spheres)?
Here's another example of atmospheric refraction from a Google Images search...Does atmospheric refraction only work at certain temperatures, distances, and shape of the object (i.e. only spheres)?
All it takes is light rays traversing a change in the index of refraction at an angle.Ok, so cold and warm air are required for this to occur. Can this happen at close distances or is there a limit?
Which "this" are you talking about? Atmospheric refraction can happen with atmospheric density variations due to altitude even without a temperature difference.Ok, so cold and warm air are required for this to occur. Can this happen at close distances or is there a limit?
Temperature isn't directly responsible for the refraction of light through the atmosphere or any other gas. What is needed is a variation in the index of refraction. Hot air is less dense than cooler air, and thus has a lower refractive index. But since density also changes with altitude, the index of refraction of the atmosphere also increases as you get closer to the surface.Ok, so cold and warm air are required for this to occur. Can this happen at close distances or is there a limit?