Why do stars twinkle? Atmospheric effects on starlight seen from Earth Explain the main physical reason for rapid fluctuations in a star’s apparent brightness/position. Choose the correct option.

Difficulty: Easy

Intrinsic rapid variation in star luminosity
Absorption by interstellar dust
Atmospheric turbulence causing random refraction (scintillation)
The human eye's blinking

Correct Answer: Atmospheric turbulence causing random refraction (scintillation)

Explanation:

Concept
Turbulent air cells with varying refractive index refract starlight along fluctuating paths, making stars appear to twinkle (scintillate). Planets show less twinkling due to larger apparent disks.

Final Answer
Atmospheric turbulence causing random refraction (scintillation)

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