migotania

Migotania is a Polish term meaning flicker or twinkle of light. It is a noun derived from the verb migotać, to flicker or glimmer. In Polish usage, migotania is the nominalized form used to describe rapid, irregular variations in brightness or color of a light source or luminous scene.

In astronomy, migotania is commonly used to refer to the twinkling of stars as seen from the Earth's surface. This phenomenon, caused by refractive index fluctuations in the atmosphere (atmospheric scintillation) and to a lesser extent by the star's own angular size, produces rapid changes in brightness and position. The effect increases with greater air turbulence and for objects near the horizon.

In artificial lighting, migotania describes unfixed light output of lamps, especially fluorescent and LED lights driven by AC power or imperfect drivers. In modern lighting systems, flicker is minimized by using high-frequency drivers and quality circuitry; health and comfort concerns include eye strain and, in extreme cases, headaches. Standards measure flicker in percent flicker or flicker index; typical acceptable values depend on region.

The term also appears in literature and everyday speech to describe shimmering of water, candlelight, or other low-brightness scenes.