Multiple choice general knowledge

The light of distant starts is affected by

  1. the earth's atmosphere

  2. interstellar dust

  3. both (a) and (b)

  4. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Starlight from distant stars is affected by both Earth's atmosphere (atmospheric scattering and absorption) and interstellar dust (scattering and extinction in space). The atmosphere causes twinkling (scintillation) and absorbs certain wavelengths, while interstellar dust causes extinction and reddening of starlight. Both effects must be accounted for in astronomical observations. Only one of these factors would be incomplete.

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