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.
IIT JEE
Physics
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
AIntrinsic rapid variation in star luminosity
-
BAbsorption by interstellar dust
-
CAtmospheric turbulence causing random refraction (scintillation)
-
DThe human eye's blinking
Answer
Correct Answer: Atmospheric turbulence causing random refraction (scintillation)
Explanation
ConceptTurbulent 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 AnswerAtmospheric turbulence causing random refraction (scintillation)