How does light propagate through space?

Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, and like all electromagnetic radiation, it propagates through space as waves. These waves are generated by the acceleration of charged particles, such as electrons, and consist of an oscillating electric field and an oscillating magnetic field. The direction of propagation is perpendicular to the direction of the oscillation and to both the electric and magnetic fields, forming an electromagnetic wave that can travel through a vacuum.

The speed of light in a vacuum is a constant value, denoted by the symbol c, which is approximately equal to 299,792,458 meters per second. This means that light travels at the same speed in all directions and is independent of the motion of the observer or the source.

When light enters a medium, such as air or water, its speed changes and it undergoes refraction, reflection, and absorption. These processes can be used to explain a wide range of optical phenomena, from rainbows to mirages.