Rayleigh Scattering Theory

Rayleigh scattering is the phenomenon where light scatters off small particles in the atmosphere. When sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere, shorter wavelengths of light (blue and violet) scatter more than longer wavelengths (red and yellow). This scattering is why the sky appears blue during the day. Although violet light scatters even more, our eyes are more sensitive to blue light, and some violet is absorbed by the ozone layer. Rayleigh scattering is also responsible for the beautiful colors seen in sunrises and sunsets, as the light passes through a thicker layer of the atmosphere, scattering shorter wavelengths.