when you look at streetlights from a distance.....?

Question

....why do they twinkle, and not when you look at them close up?

Answer 1

I am sorry to say, i dont know. But i love driving at night, going down a hill towards a town, when you can see all the lights in the distance, beautiful sight.

Answer 2

When you are far from a streetlight, or any light for that matter, there are a lot of air particles between you and it. They scatter the light in all directions when light hits them. Most of the light will reach your eyes and you see where the streetlight is. But you will see nothing where the light is scattered. Air moves, so different parts of the light beam is scattered at different times. This gives a twinkling effect. The same explanation applies to stars.

I think it would have been simpler with a diagram.

Answer 3

You do not state from what distance. However, if quite a long way off, there may be trees in your field of view. The movement of the leaves can cause a twinkling effect.

Answer 4

The air is moving all the time, and it is at different temperatures as it mixes and moves (ie. air from near the ground etc.). These different temperatures are at different densities, and so refract light at slightly different angles, so the image of the light appears to move around a little, as the air moves. It's the same thing making stars twinkle.

Answer 5

Refraction of light due to the changing densities of air between the streetlights and you.

Answer 6

Atmospheric distortions. Same reason why the stars twinkle.

Answer 7

Perhaps it's focus. Like focusing binoculars or a camera.

Answer 8

Farked if I know.Have you tried writing a poem about it yet?

Answer 9

might be cos there are trees in way blowing in wind not sure but ill definately look out for it now

Answer 10

I told you , Dont drink & drive
lol