a wonderful sunset!
by zteve t evans
One of the most beautiful and spectacular displays in nature comes towards the end of the day as the sun slowly sinks below the western horizon. As it sinks lower its rays have to travel further through the atmosphere to reach the eyes of the observer.
Light
Light travels in waves which are of different lengths. We normally see light as white, but it is actually made up of different colors. The different colors all have their own wavelength.
Magic
The magic begins as sunlight travels through earth's atmosphere. As it passes through it encounters many billions of minute gas and dust particles. These particles interfere with the light by reflecting, bending and blocking light waves. Because blue light waves are the same length as these particles the sky over head looks blue. But because light from the horizon has further to travel more of the blue light waves are scattered letting more of the yellow and red wavelengths to reach the eye of the observer.
Masterpiece
As the sun sinks this can make the entire western skies look as if it is on fire. Yellow, orange, red or any mix of these colors combine to paint a unique and often breathtaking masterpiece in the sky. This occurs because there are larger particles of water vapour, dust and pollutants in the atmosphere scattering more red and yellow light.
To make this amazing free light show even more spectacular, clouds take on the red, orange and yellow to dramatic and beautiful effect turning the western skies into a painted canvas artfully brushed and splashed in the most wondrous ways. Mountains, lakes and seas all reflect these wonderful colors adding to the natural spectacle. Building and city skylines can also enhance the drama in the skies.
Light travels in waves which are of different lengths. We normally see light as white, but it is actually made up of different colors. The different colors all have their own wavelength.
Magic
The magic begins as sunlight travels through earth's atmosphere. As it passes through it encounters many billions of minute gas and dust particles. These particles interfere with the light by reflecting, bending and blocking light waves. Because blue light waves are the same length as these particles the sky over head looks blue. But because light from the horizon has further to travel more of the blue light waves are scattered letting more of the yellow and red wavelengths to reach the eye of the observer.
Masterpiece
As the sun sinks this can make the entire western skies look as if it is on fire. Yellow, orange, red or any mix of these colors combine to paint a unique and often breathtaking masterpiece in the sky. This occurs because there are larger particles of water vapour, dust and pollutants in the atmosphere scattering more red and yellow light.
To make this amazing free light show even more spectacular, clouds take on the red, orange and yellow to dramatic and beautiful effect turning the western skies into a painted canvas artfully brushed and splashed in the most wondrous ways. Mountains, lakes and seas all reflect these wonderful colors adding to the natural spectacle. Building and city skylines can also enhance the drama in the skies.
A unique sunset experience!
As the show unfolds all the scientific principles go to work to create a unique sunset experience that the observer will never again witness. He or she may see many other sunsets but not the one they have just witnessed, except through the lens of memory.
Awe, Wonder and Inspiration
They may also experience a tremendous feeling of awe, wonder and inspiration that can be carried with them for the rest of their lives if they wish. And as the sun slowly sinks in the west and the twilight turns to dusk and dusk to night, somehow they may feel safe in knowing that as the sun must set, so it will also rise. And the same principles at work in its setting, will also be at work in its rising and a new day will surely dawn.
© 12/08/2014 zteve t evans
As the show unfolds all the scientific principles go to work to create a unique sunset experience that the observer will never again witness. He or she may see many other sunsets but not the one they have just witnessed, except through the lens of memory.
Awe, Wonder and Inspiration
They may also experience a tremendous feeling of awe, wonder and inspiration that can be carried with them for the rest of their lives if they wish. And as the sun slowly sinks in the west and the twilight turns to dusk and dusk to night, somehow they may feel safe in knowing that as the sun must set, so it will also rise. And the same principles at work in its setting, will also be at work in its rising and a new day will surely dawn.
© 12/08/2014 zteve t evans
References and Attributions
Copyright zteve t evans 12/08/2014
Copyright zteve t evans 12/08/2014