GeneralAnswersv1

Why do stars twinkle?

Moving air bends narrow starlight paths by changing amounts.

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Output
A star that appears to shimmer
Input
Light from a distant star passing through Earths atmosphere
Relationship

What connects the input and output?

Turbulent layers with different temperature and density continually alter refraction, making the apparent brightness and position fluctuate.

Sources

1
  1. science.nasa.gov: Why do stars twinkle?science.nasa.govUS-PUBLIC-DOMAIN

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