Marth said:
This optical effect is typically caused by the refraction of light. The bus window acts as a lens, and if the window is not perfectly flat, it can bend or curve the light passing through it, creating a distorted image of the light source.
When the bus is moving, the relative motion between the observer and the light source can accentuate the distortion caused by the window. The vibrations and slight changes in perspective as the bus moves can make the curvature of the light source more noticeable.
Yes, the thickness of the bus window can affect the degree of curvature observed. Thicker windows can have more pronounced lens-like properties, leading to greater refraction and more noticeable curvature of the light source.
Yes, the curvature can vary depending on your position relative to the window and the light source. Different angles of view can result in different degrees of light refraction, leading to variations in the perceived curvature.
This optical effect is not unique to bus windows; it can occur with any type of glass that is not perfectly flat or uniform. Car windows, building windows, and even eyeglasses can produce similar effects under the right conditions.