side reveals a very subtle grey-blue hue.
Note: Because of individual color sensitivity,
some people may not be able to see the
bluish hue.
For Further Research:
When energized by
sunlight, oxygen
and nitrogen atoms
in the atmosphere
re-emit (scatter)
light in all direc-Earth's
tions, causing the
entire atmosphere
above us to be
lighted by sunlight.
Violet light is
scattered the most and red light the least
(1/10th as much). Because our eyes are not
very sensitive to violet light, the sky appears
blue.
|
- Draw a diagram on a chalkboard or
overhead transparency like the one shown
below in which you are looking down at
Earth from a position far above the North
Pole. Measure the difference in
atmospheric thickness the Sun's rays must
penetrate to reach each location on
Earth's surface in the diagram below.
Which ray has the greatest distance to
travel through the atmosphere to reach
surface?
- Pretend you are standing at each location
looking toward the Sun. What color
should the Sun be?
- What is the approximate local time for
each location?
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