The Sunlight Trick You Don’t See Coming
The sky changes colors at sunset because of how sunlight travels through the air. Sunlight might look white, but it’s made of many colors. During the day, the sun is high up and its light travels a short path through the atmosphere. At sunset, the sun is low in the sky, and its light has to travel a longer path through the air. Along the way, tiny bits of dust and gas in the atmosphere scatter the blue and green colors away from your eyes.
Why We See Reds, Oranges, and Pinks
With the blue and green colors scattered out, the remaining colors, like red, orange, and pink, become more visible. That’s why sunsets often look warm and colorful. The more particles in the air, like after a rainy day or near the ocean, the more dramatic the colors can be. It’s nature’s light show, and it happens every evening if you look at just the right time.
FAQs
Q: Can sunsets be different colors in different places?
A: Yes. Places with more dust, pollution, or moisture in the air can have brighter or more colorful sunsets.
Q: Why doesn’t the sky stay that color all the time?
A: The sky only looks colorful when the sun is low and its light has to pass through more atmosphere. At other times, blue light reaches us more easily, so the sky looks blue.
