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Related Experiment Videos

Atmospheric refraction: a history.

Waldemar H Lehn1, Siebren van der Werf

  • 1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3T-5V6, Canada. lehn@ee.umanitoba.ca

Applied Optics
|October 6, 2005
PubMed
Summary
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This study traces the history of atmospheric refraction, from ancient Greek concepts to Kepler's explanations of mirages. It highlights key figures like Ptolemy, Alhazen, Tycho Brahe, and Kepler in understanding how Earth's atmosphere bends light.

Area of Science:

  • Optics
  • History of Science
  • Atmospheric Physics

Background:

  • The phenomenon of atmospheric refraction, the bending of light by Earth's atmosphere, has been recognized since antiquity.
  • Early models, such as Ptolemy's, proposed a uniform atmosphere with a sharp transition to ether where refraction occurred.
  • Knowledge of atmospheric refraction was transmitted through medieval scholars like Alhazen and Witelo.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a historical overview of the concept of atmospheric refraction.
  • To identify key contributions and developments in understanding atmospheric refraction from ancient Greece to Kepler.
  • To examine the evolution of atmospheric models used to explain light refraction.

Main Methods:

  • Historical literature review and analysis of scientific texts.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Tracing the conceptual development of atmospheric refraction through key historical figures.
  • Examining early atmospheric models and their role in explaining optical phenomena.

    • Main Results:

    • The concept of atmospheric refraction was introduced in the 2nd century B.C.
    • Ptolemy developed an early atmospheric model for refraction.
    • Tycho Brahe made the first accurate measurements in the 16th century.
    • Kepler utilized the Ptolemaic model to explain the Novaya Zemlya effect, a documented mirage.

    Conclusions:

    • The understanding of atmospheric refraction evolved significantly from ancient theories to Kepler's work.
    • Key historical figures played crucial roles in developing models and making measurements of atmospheric refraction.
    • Early models, though simplified, provided a foundation for understanding complex atmospheric optical phenomena like mirages.