10 Astonishing Facts About Why the Sky Looks Blue (And Sometimes Red!)

2. The Red Horizon - Sunset and Sunrise Spectacles

As the sun dips below the horizon or rises anew, the sky often transforms into a breathtaking array of reds, oranges, and pinks. This transition is due to the increased path length that sunlight must travel through the atmosphere during these times. As the light passes through more air, the shorter blue wavelengths scatter out of view, leaving the longer red wavelengths to dominate the sky. This phenomenon is further enhanced by atmospheric conditions such as humidity and air pollution, which can intensify the colors. Sunsets and sunrises are not only visually stunning but also serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our atmosphere and its impact on the sky’s appearance.