Chapter 13, Problem 9RQ

Why does a setting Sun often appear elliptical instead of round?

Solution

To determine: The reason for the setting Sun that appears elliptical instead of round

Answer:

The sun appears elliptical instead of round during sunset due to the refraction phenomena.

Explanation:

In the atmosphere there are various gases and particles are present in unequal composition, which makes the atmosphere having different densities. So the light ray comes from Sun refracted due to varying density of atmosphere.

The setting sun appears elliptical instead of round because of the varying density of the atmosphere. The light coming from the upper and lower part of the Sun, bends unequally due to this varying atmosphere. Hence, resulting the Sun looking elliptical instead of round during sunset.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the sun appears elliptical instead of round during sunset due to the refraction phenomena.