I ve noticed a star whose sparkle is extremely strong and seems to contain glints of red and blue. Why is it twinkling so brightly?
A star s twinkle and rapid change in colour are due to atmospheric turbulence. The mixing of pockets of hot and colder air splits light like a prism, resulting in the changing colours you see. The effect is stronger on cold, clear nights and more noticeable with brighter stars, especially when they aren t very high in the sky. Sirius, the brightest star in our sky (visible especially in winter and spring), emits an intense bluish white light. Since it never rises far above the southern horizon, Sirius is particularly subject to this phenomenon. Antares in the constellation Scorpius (especially visible in summer) is another star that remains close to the horizon. Though reddish in colour, this star sometimes gives off remarkable glints of green. Other bright stars may also produce a similar effect. Consult What s Up to identify the stars and constellations visible at this time of the year.
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