Scattering of Light

8.6  Scattering of Light

 

Definition
Scattering of light occurs when light is reflected in all directions by clouds on particles in the air.

 

During midday:

  • Blue light is scattered the most in all directions by the tiny particles in the atmosphere. 
  • Thus, the sky looks blue during midday.
 

 

During sunset:

  • The sun is at the horizon
  • Red and orange light are less scattered and will go through the atmosphere to reach our eyes.
  • Other coloured lights such as blue light are scattered away.
  • Thus, the sky looks reddish during sunset.