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Refraction
the bending of light
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Refracted light is
light that bends as it travels from one substance to another. |
The amount of refraction that occurs depends upon the density of the
substance and the angle at which the light is entering the substance.
Photograph
by Bob Rauber
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The refraction of sunlight (or moonlight)
by ice crystals can result in a
number of beautiful optical effects like
halos
which are produced when sunlight or moonlight is refracted
by the pencil-shaped ice crystals of
cirroform clouds. |
Light refraction is also responsible for other unique effects, like
bending the rays of a setting sun to give it
an elliptical, "flattened-out" appearance.
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