What causes Venus to sometimes appear to twinkle when observed very low on the horizon during peak brightness?

Answer

Atmospheric distortion caused by pockets of turbulent air bending the intense light rays

When Venus is low, its light travels through the thickest layers of Earth's atmosphere, where turbulence bends the intense light, creating a shimmering or twinkling effect usually associated with distant stars.

What causes Venus to sometimes appear to twinkle when observed very low on the horizon during peak brightness?

#Videos

Why Venus is so bright this weekend - YouTube

astronomyVenüsplanetbrightness