8A10.70 - Sunrise - Sunset/Refracted Sun | Instructional Resources and Lecture Demonstrations

Code Number:

8A10.70

Demo Title:

Sunrise - Sunset/Refracted Sun

Condition:

Good

Principle:

Earth Inclination and Position on Earth

Area of Study:

Astronomy

Disclaimer

Equipment:

8" X 8" X 2" high block, 2 L bottle full of water, 1 or 2 large coins.

Procedure:

Place the coins behind the block and back away from the block until you can no longer see the coins. Place the bottle horizontally in the middle of the block and the coins will reappear when looking through the water filled bottle. This demonstration simulates the effects of refraction in the atmosphere which allows you to see sunrises before or sunsets after they actually occur.

References:

Edward Pascuzzi, "Capturing the Anti-Sun", TPT, Vol. 35, # 9, Dec. 1997, p. 553.
Jinsong Cui, "A Demonstration of the Apparent Ellipticity of the Rising or Setting Sun", TPT, Vol. 29, # 9, Dec. 1991, p. 566.
F. Jaquin, K. Steele, D. Hafemeister, "The Apparent Ellipticity of the Setting Sun", TPT, Vol. 20, # 6, Sept. 1982, p. 404.
Z. Neda and S. Volkan-Kacso, "Flatness of the Setting Sun", AJP, Vol. 71, # 4, April 2003, p. 379.
Pat Murphy, Ellen Macaulay, and the staff of the Exploratorium, "Green Flash", Exploratopia, p. 187.
D. Tattersfield, "Demonstrations on the Setting Sun", Projects and Demonstrations in Astronomy", p. 107.
Jearl Walker, "Distortions of the Low Sun", The Flying Circus of Physics", p. 250.
Janice VanCleave, "Riser", 200 Gooey, Slippery, Slimy, Weird, & Fun Experiments, p. 9.
Janie VanCleave, "41. Mirage", Astronomy for Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiments that Really Work", p. 90.
Sara Stein, "The Sun Appears Before It Rises", The Science Book, p. 192.
Julius Sumner Miller, Q215 & A215, Millergrams II – Some More Enchanting Questions for Enquiring Minds, p. 66 & 114.

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