Why Do Stars Twinkle?

If you’ve ever gazed up at the night sky, you’ve probably noticed the twinkling of stars. This celestial phenomenon, often referred to as “stellar scintillation,” has puzzled observers for centuries. The bright flashes, fluctuations in intensity, and apparent changes in color make stars seem to blink or shimmer, but what exactly causes this effect? The answer lies in the atmosphere of Earth and how it interacts with light coming from distant stars.