Propagation of light wave around planets in cosmic space

Abstract

Abstract The propagation of light wave around planets is studied in the paper. There are planets having an atmosphere. The permittivity of atmosphere is high close to the planet surface and gradually decreases with elevation. These planets have an inhomogeneous medium around their surface. Based on the results of our investigations when the light beam propagates parallel to layers of atmosphere, its propagation direction is gradually deviating from the straight line toward higher permittivity layers. This way the light wave follows a curved route. Some planets have no atmosphere. Their surface is not smooth, in addition to plains, there are hills and mountains with varying heights. Therefore, layers of atmosphere parallel to the planet surface can be considered by an equivalent permittivity which is high at the planet surface and gradually decreases with the elevation. As its consequence a tangentially incident light beam deviates from the straight line and follows a curved route. Based on the results of present investigations, it is not necessary to assume that the cosmic space is curved close to a planet containing a huge mass.