Question

What is the difference in colors of the Sun observed during sunrise/sunset and noon? Give an explanation for each.

Answer 1

Definition

The light beams from the Sun must travel a considerable distance through the earth's atmosphere prior to actually entering our sight at daybreak. Shorter wavelengths of light have been dispersed out throughout this voyage, and therefore only longer wavelengths penetrate our eyes.

The difference in colors of the Sun observed during sunrise/sunset and noon

1. Even though blue has a smaller wavelength whereas red has a longer wavelength, red would be able to reach our eyes following air dispersion of light. As a result, the Sun appears reddish throughout the early morning.
2. The sun appears closer to the horizons during dawn as well as dusk. Before approaching our eyes, sunlight goes through some kind of denser layer of air as well as travels a greater distance. The majority of the blue light is dispersed. And red hue penetrates us, causing the sun to seem red in the morning.
3. The sun is above at midday. Before entering our eyes, sunlight travels through layers of air and covers a lesser distance. As a result, practically all hues of light are distributed evenly. As a result, the sun seems white.

Therefore, the sun appears reddish early in the morning and white at noon.