optical articles
What phenomenon is most commonly responsible for the bright, moving 'string of pearls' seen in the night sky recently?
When is the ideal time to spot the Starlink train appearing as a bright line?
What differentiates the visual signature of Starlink satellites from typical aircraft lights?
What is the initial phase of newly launched Starlink satellites called when they appear clustered together?
What is the primary mission goal of the Starlink constellation?
What causes the Starlink satellites to become suddenly invisible during a pass?
Compared to older, high-orbit communications satellites, why do Starlink units appear to move faster across the sky?
How does the visual appearance of an Iridium flare differ from a Starlink train sighting?
What key element causes the visual impact of the early Starlink deployments to lessen over time?
What is a specific actionable tip provided for observers wanting the clearest view of a newly visible Starlink train low on the horizon?
What is the fundamental experience of seeing an optical illusion?
Sight is described as a dialogue between which two main components?
What are the two major categories scientists use to classify optical illusions?
Physiological illusions are directly caused by what aspect of the visual system?
What is the direct physical cause of a negative afterimage?
Where do cognitive illusions originate within the visual processing system?
What term is used to describe the mental shortcuts the brain employs to make vision efficient?
In the Simultaneous Contrast Effect, a medium-gray square placed next to pure white will appear how?
What is the process called where the brain 'sees' a completed form from incomplete lines or shapes?
In size constancy illusions involving perspective cues, what assumption does the brain automatically apply?
What must be true about the refractive indices of the core and cladding for Total Internal Reflection to function?
What is the primary role of the protective buffer coating surrounding the optical fiber cladding?
What physical phenomenon is the core principle enabling light to travel long distances within the fiber core?
What physical property causes light to bend when it passes from air into water?
What limits the distance and bandwidth capability of Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF) compared to Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)?
In fiber optics, what does the term 'refractive index' quantify?
For Total Internal Reflection to be successfully induced, how must the angle of incidence at the core-cladding boundary relate to the critical angle?
What does the Numerical Aperture (NA) of an optical fiber mathematically describe?
Why is highly purified silica glass the material of choice for long-haul telecommunication fiber?