Because of this atmospheric "thickness" there is more atmospheric refraction (bending and scattering of light) causing coloration of the Moon and stars (along with increased twinkling).
(more atmospheric refraction (bending and scattering of light; causing; coloration of the Moon and stars (along with increased twinkling)
more atmospheric refraction (bending and scattering of light
causing
coloration of the Moon and stars (along with increased twinkling