How is a star twinkling?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the phenomenon of a star's twinkling, which typically refers to the varying brightness of stars as observed from Earth. This twinkling occurs due to the Earth's atmosphere and its effect on the light coming from stars. It commonly involves the refraction of light caused by atmospheric turbulence.
Answer
The twinkling of stars is caused by the Earth's atmosphere affecting starlight.
The twinkling of stars is caused by the Earth's atmosphere. Starlight passes through layers of air with varying temperatures and densities, which refracts the light in different directions, creating a flickering effect.
Answer for screen readers
The twinkling of stars is caused by the Earth's atmosphere. Starlight passes through layers of air with varying temperatures and densities, which refracts the light in different directions, creating a flickering effect.
More Information
Twinkling, also known as stellar scintillation, is a result of atmospheric disturbances. Planets are usually not seen to twinkle because they appear larger and the atmospheric effects on them are negligible.
Sources
- Why do the stars twinkle? - Cool Cosmos - Caltech - coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu
- Why do stars twinkle? | BBC Sky at Night Magazine - skyatnightmagazine.com
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