The sky appears blue during the day because the molecules of air and fine particles in the atmosphere scatter sunlight, with shorter wavelengths (blue light) being scattered more effectively than longer wavelengths (red light). The fine particles in the air contribute to this scattering, causing the scattered blue light to enter our eyes.
Why does the sky appear blue during the day, and what is the role of fine particles in the atmosphere in this phenomenon?
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The sky appears blue during the day due to Rayleigh scattering. When sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter-wavelength blue light is scattered more by air molecules compared to longer-wavelength colors. This scattered blue light is what we predominantly see. Fine particles, like dust and pollutants, act as additional scattering centers, enhancing the blue color. These particles increase the chances of scattering and contribute to the overall visibility of the blue sky. In regions with fewer particles, the sky may appear less intense blue. Rayleigh scattering and particle interactions collectively create the familiar daytime sky color.