Why does planet do not twinkle?
The planet are closer to the earth as compared to the stars so the light receive from the planets must greater and the fluctuation caused in the amount of light due to the atmospheric reaction are negligble as a compared to the amount of a light receive from them so that our planets do not twinkle.
Why does planet do not twinkle?
**Why do planets not twinkle?**
Planets do not twinkle in the night sky due to several reasons related to their distance, size, and atmospheric conditions. Unlike stars, which appear to twinkle due to the Earth's atmosphere, planets are relatively closer to our planet and have a larger apparent size. Here's a detailed explanation of why planets do not twinkle:
**1. Apparent Size:**
Planets are relatively closer to Earth compared to stars. As a result, they appear larger in the night sky. The larger apparent size of planets makes their light rays pass through different parts of the Earth's atmosphere, reducing the twinkling effect.
**2. Atmospheric Scattering:**
The Earth's atmosphere consists of various layers of gases and particles that can scatter the incoming light from stars. This scattering causes the twinkling effect observed in stars. However, planets emit a steady glow due to their reflected sunlight, and the scattered light does not significantly affect their brightness or cause noticeable twinkling.
**3. Angular Diameter:**
The angular diameter of a celestial object refers to its apparent size as viewed from Earth. Stars are so far away that they appear as point sources of light with extremely small angular diameters. Consequently, even slight disturbances in the Earth's atmosphere can cause them to twinkle. On the other hand, planets have larger angular diameters, making them appear as small disks rather than point sources. This larger apparent size diminishes the twinkling effect caused by atmospheric disturbances.
**4. Atmospheric Stability:**
Planets tend to appear less affected by atmospheric turbulence compared to stars. The Earth's atmosphere experiences various layers with varying densities, temperatures, and wind patterns. These inconsistencies cause the bending and scattering of starlight, leading to the twinkling effect. However, planets are less influenced by these atmospheric irregularities due to their closer proximity and larger size, resulting in a steadier and less twinkling appearance.
In conclusion, planets do not twinkle in the night sky due to their larger apparent size, which reduces the effect of atmospheric scattering and turbulence. Their proximity to Earth and the steadiness of their reflected sunlight contribute to their consistent glow in the night sky.
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