© Michael Nolle

San Lawrenz, Gozo, Malta

Latitude: 36° 3' 18'' N

Longitude: 14° 12' 0'' E

25 March 2016 2155 (Local Time)

Image P/S code: P.13.9

Image I.D.: 6054

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  Scintillation

  Turbulent motion of the air in the atmosphere can result in rapid variations in the apparent brightness, colour and position of stars in the night sky, or distant terrestrial light sources. This twinkling effect is due to fluctuations of the refractive index in the portions of the atmosphere through which the rays of light pass to the observer. The phenomenon is known as scintillation and is analogous to shimmer.

  This video, slowed to one quarter of actual speed, shows scintillation (twinkling) of the bright star Sirius. The view is through a telescope which has been defocused to more clearly show the apparent colour and brightness changes of the star. At the time of the video, Sirius was about 20° above the horizon. 

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  © Michael Nolle

  San Lawrenz, Gozo, Malta

  Latitude: 36° 3' 18'' N

  Longitude: 14° 12' 0'' E

  25 March 2016 2155 (Local Time)

  
  

  Image P/S code: P.13.9

  Image I.D.: 6054