What+makes+a+sunset+beautiful?

What makes a sunset beautiful? By: Amanda Gibson __ Table of Contents __ ﻿﻿﻿ Sunset Pictures Scattering of Molecules Natural Pollution's Effects Man Made Pollution's Effects

 What is the difference between sunset A and sunset B?



As you can see, this sunset has a pinkish purple tint.

Sunset B portrays more of an orange, yellow, and red color.

Molecules in the atmosphere scatter the wavelengths of visible light. This scattering determines what colors our eye perceives. Blue and violet light have the shortest wavelengths while orange and red have the longest. The reason we do not see orange or red colors during the day is due to the fact that the sun's light has the shortest distance to travel to our eyesight. Therefore, the short wavelengths of blue do not scatter and we are experiencing those colors as a blue sky.  Natural Pollution such as salt, dust, and ash, have a slightly larger molecular size than that of air particles. The atmosphere then becomes more dense. These larger particles enhance the scattering, which in turn creates longer wavelengths of light.



If natural pollution creates a red or orange sunset, does man made pollution do the same? Man made pollution is composed of many different molecules that vary in size. Normally, these molecules are smaller than air particles, having no effect on the scattering of visible light. However, populous cities like L.A., where there are high levels of smog, sunsets appear nearly white. There are a vast number of smog particles that scatter every wavelength of light to the point that no color is present. In effect, a white sunset appears.

In contrast, the air particles over the area below contain less pollutants. Blue and violet light have very little scattering, causing the purplish effect.

﻿Depending on your preference of sunsets, whether it be red and orange or pink and purple, knowing the make up of the air quality in a particular area will take the guess work out, allowing you to enjoy the sunset of your choice. 