when it's setting (rising), like in the afternoon?
2007-06-01 08:01:57 · 8 answers · asked by N W 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Due to it's angle (relative to your point of view), the sun's at sunset and sunrise passed through a larger amount of atmosphere. In addition, due to the curvature of the earth, the rays are effectively spread out over a larger area during the early morning and evening hours, causing them to be less intense.. this is why the sun is most intense while it is directly overhead. Also, the initial thing you see is just essentially a reflection from the atmosphere, bending around the earth while the sun is still below the horizon.
2007-06-01 08:04:40 · answer #1 · answered by Dan K 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The refractive system of the eye (cornea plus the intraocular lens) focuses the light coming from the sun onto the mucula (retinal area used for primary direct vision) which raises the temperature of the retinal cells and causes a "macula burn"
It only takes a slight elevation in temperature to permanently damage the retinal cells.
It is the same principle of burning wood by concentrating and focusing the rays of light from the sun with a magnifying onto the wood.
2007-06-01 08:55:30 · answer #2 · answered by drjhbmd 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know why you think it should. We get more light from the sun during noontime than we do at sunrise or set, since there's less atmosphere blocking it. If you're looking at it more then (can be unavoidable if you're driving), it's the thicker atmosphere at the horizen that blocks a lot of the light.
2007-06-01 08:25:06 · answer #3 · answered by eri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the thick layers of the Earth's atmosphere are protecting you. But it will blind you if you look at it too long. Every time you take a look at it rods and cones in your retina are dying. They regenerate but it takes a while. So if you you look at the sun for too long you will go blind.
2007-06-01 09:38:51 · answer #4 · answered by Math☻Nerd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the sun's light passes through a larger amount of atmosphere when it's setting and rising.
2007-06-01 08:14:40 · answer #5 · answered by neutron 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rays are attenuated by passing through a lot more atmosphere.
2007-06-01 08:06:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm guessing because the rays have to get through more atmosphere.
2007-06-01 09:09:14 · answer #7 · answered by chase 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Filtered through MUCH more of an atmosphere at that angle.
2007-06-01 08:04:00 · answer #8 · answered by Yahzmin ♥♥ 4ever 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋