Because the atmosphere is always windy and changing, the number and position of images is always changing, with the result that stars appear to twinkle . In reality, the above time-lapse sequence occurs ten times faster. Close inspection will reveal a single small image of the star that is repeated over and over. This image is called a speckle and its size is again not really infinitesimal, but determined by strange quantum effects that involve the finite size of the telescope. Betelgeuse is the star twinkling above, and in space, above the Earth's atmosphere, it really looks like this .
Specific rights apply .