Propagation of light wave around planets in cosmic space

Abstract

The propagation of light wave around planets is studied in this paper. There are planets having an atmosphere with permittivity which is high close to the planet surface and gradually decreases with elevation. Based on the results of our investigations when the light beam propagates parallel to the 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. The aim of the paper is to provide a qualitative picture for the phenomenon of light wave propagation bending around cosmic planets.Some planets have no atmosphere. Their surface is not smooth, in addition to plains there are hills and mountains with varying heights. Therefore, dielectric layers parallel to the planet surface can be considered by an equivalent average permittivity which is high at the planet surface and gradually decreases with the elevation. As its consequence the light beam tangentially incident to the planet surface 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.