Why is sky Orange ?
Asked by tusharparik • 3 days ago
Why is sky Orange ?
Answers
Science - Why is the Sky Orange?
The sky can appear orange during sunrise and sunset due to a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. This effect scatters shorter wavelengths of light (blue and violet) more effectively than longer wavelengths (red, orange, and yellow).
Rayleigh Scattering
Rayleigh scattering occurs when light is scattered by particles in a medium that are much smaller than the wavelength of the light. In the Earth's atmosphere, these particles are primarily nitrogen and oxygen molecules.
Explanation
During sunrise and sunset, the sunlight has to travel through a greater distance in the atmosphere compared to midday. This longer path means that most of the blue light is scattered away before it reaches our eyes. The remaining light is dominated by the longer wavelengths (red, orange, and yellow), which are less scattered and can pass through the atmosphere more easily. This is why we see the sky as orange or red.
Factors Affecting the Color
- Atmospheric Conditions: The presence of dust, pollution, or water droplets can enhance the scattering effect, leading to more vivid colors.
- Angle of the Sun: The lower the sun is on the horizon, the more pronounced the orange and red colors become.
- Observer's Location: Different locations may have varying levels of atmospheric particles, affecting the color intensity.
Real-world Example
If you've ever seen a particularly vibrant sunset after a dusty day, it's because the dust particles in the air increased the scattering of blue light, allowing more orange and red light to reach your eyes.
Additional Information: The same principle explains why the sky appears blue during the day. Since the sun is higher in the sky, the blue light is scattered in all directions, making the sky appear blue to our eyes.
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