How does the light from a planet differ in its atmospheric interaction compared to starlight?

Answer

Planets present a small disc, allowing distortion effects to partially cancel out across the surface.

Because planets present a discernible angular size (a disc), the bending and distortion across one edge can be counteracted by effects on the opposite edge, leading to steadier light transmission.

How does the light from a planet differ in its atmospheric interaction compared to starlight?

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