The deep blue of the sky is one of nature’s most captivating sights, yet the underlying causes are relatively simple when explained through the lens of science. This course dives into the fundamentals of optics, atmospheric composition, and solar radiation to shed light on this familiar yet fascinating phenomenon.
You’ll learn how the sun’s radiant energy, spanning the full spectrum of visible wavelengths, is scattered in different ways by the various molecules in the atmosphere. The compelling reason why blues and violets are favored in this process is elegantly explained through geometric optics and the behavior of shorter wavelengths.
Beyond just the mechanics, the course also covers how factors like time of day, atmospheric conditions, and the observer’s altitude can influence the perceived color and intensity of the sky. You’ll gain a new appreciation for the natural beauty above as you come to understand the precise mixture of science that orchestrates this chromatic display in the heavens.