Fermat's principle

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-005556",
  "term": "Fermat's principle",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "The proposition that a ray of light or other electromagnetic radiation traveling between two points follows the path that takes the least amount of time. In a medium with a varying refractive index, such as the atmosphere, this principle dictates that the light path will be curved rather than straight. This effect explains atmospheric refraction phenomena, including the apparent bending of light from celestial objects near the horizon and the formation of mirages.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/fermat-s-principle/"
}