scintillation

Noun

• the twinkling of the stars caused when changes in the density of the earth's atmosphere produce uneven refraction of starlight

• the quality of shining with a bright reflected light

• a brilliant display of wit

• a rapid change in brightness; a brief spark or flash

• (physics) a flash of light that is produced in a phosphor when it absorbs a photon or ionizing particle

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  glitter , glister , glisten , sparkle , twinkle , sparkling