twinkle

To seem to shine with small, quick changes in brightness, as a star does.

Stars are said to twinkle when their light appears to change as it passes through Earth’s atmosphere. The verb can also describe small lights that shine in this way.

• The stars twinkled above the campsite while we waited for the kettle to boil.
• From the city, only a few stars twinkle through the light pollution.
• That bright star seems to twinkle more near the horizon.