Question

Name the phenomenon that causes the twinkling of stars in a clear sky.

• A. Atmospheric refraction
• B. Dispersion of light
• C. Reflection of light
• D. Scattering of light

Answer 1

The correct option is A Atmospheric refraction

Why Stars Twinkle?

• Starlight passes through different layers of atmosphere before reaching Earth.
• The light rays undergo continuous refraction as the layers have different temperatures and density.
• Due to varying atmospheric conditions, the apparent positions of stars keep changing. As a result, stars appear to twinkle.