十万个为什么·科学启蒙30篇（3）

14 / 30

为什么星星会“眨眼睛”

When I look up at night, stars seem to blink even though they shine steadily.
This twinkling happens because air in our atmosphere moves and bends starlight.
On windy nights, the lights dance more wildly near the horizon.
My teacher showed us how heat waves above hot pavement blur car license plates.
We see clearer stars from high mountains where the air is thinner and calmer.
Planets usually don’t twinkle much because they’re closer and look like small disks.
I point out twinkling stars to my little brother during our bedtime sky watch.
Astronomers use special telescopes to reduce this effect for sharper pictures.
Even though stars twinkle, their light still helps sailors and hikers find direction.
Next time you spot one blinking, remember it’s Earth’s air playing tricks—not the star!