Celestial objects exhibiting intermittent or fluctuating luminosity are visible from Earth. This phenomenon often results from atmospheric disturbances, instrumental limitations, or the intrinsic properties of the source itself. A common instance is the apparent twinkling of distant suns, an effect produced by the refraction of light through varying densities in the atmosphere.
The study of these luminous variations provides valuable data for astronomers and astrophysicists. Analyzing the patterns of light emission assists in determining characteristics such as stellar composition, size, and distance. Furthermore, observation of transient celestial events contributes to our understanding of the dynamic processes occurring in the cosmos, including supernova explosions and the existence of exoplanets. Historically, these sights have inspired mythology, navigation, and scientific inquiry.