Multiple choice

Moon is seen above the horizon a few minutes before it has actually risen above the horizon because of _______.

  1. reflection of light

  2. refraction of light

  3. scattering of light

  4. total internal reflection
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This is due to atmospheric refraction - light bends when passing through layers of air with different densities (which vary with temperature and altitude). This bending makes the moon appear slightly higher than its actual geometric position. The same principle explains why the sun is visible before it actually rises and after it sets.

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