2007-02-15 11:37:53 · 7 answers · asked by sean m 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
If you look towards the top of this page, you will see a box marked "Search for questions". Were you to type in "why is the sky blue" and press "Search" you would find that the question has been asked 1,467 times on Yahoo! Answers. If you look at any of those previous questions you will find that the answer to the question is Rayleigh scattering.
After nearly 1500 times, with those who know explaining Rayleigh scattering in nearly every set of answers, it still amazes me the number of people who say "it is the reflection off the ocean" which is completely wrong.
2007-02-15 12:31:06 · answer #1 · answered by tentofield 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The light coming from the sun contains all the colors of the rainbow. The color of light can be measured by its frequency, because it is an electromagnetic wave, like radio, microwaves, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, etc. The molecules in the atmosphere of the earth scatter some of the light from the sun. Violet, indigo, blue, and green light are scattered the most, and the overall effect is a mixture, a shade of blue. The thicker the atmosphere, the more light is scattered in the sky, so it appears lighter in color (toward the horizon). The thinner the atmosphere directly overhead means less light is scattered, so the color is a deeper blue. Clouds scatter all the colors, but also let some through, so they appear white. However, if the cloud is thick, it will be grey or almost black.
2007-02-15 19:53:18 · answer #2 · answered by TitoBob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water vapor in the atmosphere refracts the light coming from the sun and only the blue wavelength continues on to the earth. All other colors are disbursed.
gr8terthanthis you learned in Science that it was caused by dirty air? You need to go back and complain to your teacher. Why was the sky blue before filthy air?
2007-02-15 19:46:23 · answer #3 · answered by meathookcook 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well this is what i learned in science- b\c the air and sky is so filthy the light waves or w\e reflect off all the junk therefore causing it to turn blue
2007-02-15 19:46:01 · answer #4 · answered by ibelieveinlife 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
reflection of the ocean (i dont see how though the ocean is not blue in my opinion)
2007-02-15 19:45:50 · answer #5 · answered by Linda Lou 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is the reflection of the ocean.
2007-02-15 19:40:20 · answer #6 · answered by Sassy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it has to do with the o-zone layer
2007-02-15 19:40:26 · answer #7 · answered by jonathan e 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋