Question

Explain why the planets do not twinkle.

Atmospheric refraction is the phenomenon of bending of light on passing through earth's atmosphere. As we move above the surface of earth, density of air goes on decreasing. Local conditions like temperature etc. also affect the optical density of earth's atmosphere. On account of atmospheric refraction, stars seen appear higher than they actual are; advanced sunrise; delayed sunset, oval appearance of the sun at sunrise and sunset; stars twinkle, planets do not.