The reason for the elliptical appearance of the Sun and the Moon near the horizon is
The reason for the elliptical appearance of the Sun and the Moon near the horizon is refraction. When these celestial bodies are close to the horizon, their light passes through a thicker layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, causing their image to appear stretched and distorted.
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The reason for the elliptical appearance of the Sun and the Moon near the horizon is refraction (option A). As these celestial bodies near the horizon, their light travels through a larger portion of the Earth’s atmosphere. This atmospheric layer has varying density and temperature gradients, causing the light to bend or refract. Refraction results in the apparent position of the Sun or Moon being slightly higher in the sky than their actual geometric positions. This bending effect causes their images to appear elongated and flattened when viewed from Earth, giving them an elliptical or oval appearance rather than their true circular shape. This phenomenon is a visual illusion created by atmospheric refraction, which also contributes to phenomena like mirages and the extended duration of twilight. Unlike options B, C, or D, which do not accurately describe the physical mechanism responsible for the observed elliptical appearance, refraction provides a scientifically supported explanation based on the behavior of light passing through the Earth’s atmosphere.