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.

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.