Why Is It That Dim Stars in the Night Sky

question 40

Multiple Choice

Why is it that dim stars in the night sky sometimes disappear when you look directly at them?

• A) The light from the dim star is focused on the blind spot.
• B) The light from the dim star is deflected by the aqueous humor.
• C) The light from the dim star is focused on cones in the fovea, which are less sensitive than rods.
• D) The light from the dim star becomes highly saturated.

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Definitions:

Orbit

Eye socket; formed by seven skull bones that surround and protect the eye.

Optic Nerve

The cranial nerve responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain.

Optic Disc

The point on the retina at which the optic nerve fibers exit the eye, creating a blind spot as it contains no photoreceptors.

Blood Vessels

Blood vessels are tubular structures carrying blood throughout the body, including arteries, veins, and capillaries.