What's a blinking star?

bandana163

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2003
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I looked out of the window and saw a rapidly blinking star. It's been there for a few minutes, the star emits a white light (like the others) but blinks rapidly with a reddish yellow light.
Does anyone know what kind of phenomenon I'm witnessing?
 

Wallydraigle

Banned
Nov 27, 2000
10,754
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Atmospheric distortion. That's why we spent billions of dollars to launch Hubble and get above all that.
 

Mayfriday0529

Diamond Member
Sep 15, 2003
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Originally posted by: rdubbz420
it a star that no longer exists.


you mean the light we are seeing if finally getting here but the star went supernova a long time ago?
 

bandana163

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2003
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Originally posted by: Wallydraigle
Atmopheric distortion. That's why we spent billions of dollars to launch Hubble and get above all that.

Thanks for the explanation.
I've never heard about the phenomenon before.
 

Argo

Lifer
Apr 8, 2000
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There are stars that blink naturally (pulsars) but those are not detectable by the naked eye.