Why was the sun changed the colour at sunrise and sunset.?

Question

Answer

Molecules and small particles in the atmosphere change the direction of light rays, causing them to scatter. ... “Because the sun is low on the horizon, sunlight passes through more air at sunset and sunrise than during the day, when the sun is higher in the sky.

Answer

Dispersion of light..

Answer

Due to dispersion of light

Answer

During sunrise and sunset, the sun will be at the horizon. Now the sun's rays will have to travel a longer distance through the earth's atmosphere. Since the 7 colours have different wavelengths, colours like violet, blue(having shorter wavelength) scatters away and red(having longer wavelength) will reach the observer's eye. Hence, the sky appears red during sunrise and sunset.

Answer

Introduction:
At sunrise and sunset, the sun appears to change its color, often displaying vibrant hues of red, orange, and pink. This captivating phenomenon occurs due to a combination of various atmospheric factors and the way sunlight interacts with the Earth's atmosphere.

Atmospheric Scattering:
One of the key reasons behind the changing colors of the sun is a phenomenon called atmospheric scattering. When sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere, it interacts with the molecules and particles present in the air. This scattering of light causes different wavelengths to be scattered in various directions, leading to changes in the color of the sky and the sun.

Rayleigh Scattering:
The primary type of scattering responsible for the color change during sunrise and sunset is known as Rayleigh scattering. This phenomenon occurs when the size of the scattering particles, such as nitrogen and oxygen molecules, is smaller than the wavelength of light. During sunrise and sunset, the sun is located at a lower angle in the sky, which results in a longer path for sunlight to travel through the atmosphere. As a result, shorter wavelengths, such as blue and violet, are scattered more by the molecules, while longer wavelengths, like red and orange, are less affected and can reach our eyes.

Path Length and Absorption:
The longer path length of sunlight during sunrise and sunset also leads to increased absorption of shorter wavelengths by the Earth's atmosphere. The particles in the air absorb and scatter the shorter blue and green wavelengths, making the sunlight that reaches our eyes contain more of the longer red and orange wavelengths. This absorption and scattering process further intensifies the warm colors visible during these times of the day.

Earth's Curvature and Dust Particles:
The curvature of the Earth also plays a role in the color change of the sun. During sunrise and sunset, sunlight passes through a larger portion of the Earth's atmosphere compared to when the sun is directly overhead. This increased atmospheric path scatters and filters the sunlight, allowing more of the warm colors to dominate the sky.

Additionally, the presence of dust particles and pollutants in the atmosphere can contribute to the stunning colors seen at sunrise and sunset. These particles scatter sunlight even more, enhancing the red and orange hues.

Conclusion:
The changing colors of the sun at sunrise and sunset are a result of atmospheric scattering, particularly Rayleigh scattering, where shorter wavelengths are scattered more, and longer wavelengths dominate. The longer path length of sunlight, increased absorption of shorter wavelengths, Earth's curvature, and the presence of dust particles all contribute to the captivating and visually appealing display of colors during these times of the day.

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