
What makes stars twinkle?
Subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine and get 6 issues for just £9.99
Twinkle, twinkle little star, refraction makes you what you are...
Asked by: Anonymous
Excluding the Sun, stars are located so far away that even through a telescope they appear as a single point of light. When you look up at a star, turbulence in the atmosphere refracts the light from coming from it in different directions. This makes the star appear to change brightness and position, which can make it look as if it’s twinkling.
Advertisement
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Subscription offer
Subscribe and save 50% on the shop price. Pay just £16.50 every 6 issues by Direct Debit. Receive every issue delivered direct to your door with FREE UK delivery.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Advertisement