Sirius Sirius A and B (lower left) photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope. Sirius A is the brightest star in the night sky. (more) Why Do Stars Twinkle? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Why-Do-Stars-Twinkle Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Mar 4, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Light emitted from stars does not actually twinkle but only appears to twinkle when viewed from Earth. As starlight passes through the different layers of Earth’s atmosphere, turbulence causes the starlight to bend. This distortion of the starlight makes the star appear as if twinkling. Technically referred to as “scintillation,” this visual special effect is just variations in temperature and density of high altitude air flows that create a light show for observers on the ground. The next time someone sings “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” remember that it is only an illusion. Another reason that stars twinkle is their vast ...(100 of 266 words)

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