A Wonderleaf question
Why is the sky blue during the day?
a real page from the book
During the day, the sky looks blue because sunlight meets Earth’s air before it reaches us. The air’s tiny molecules scatter shorter blue wavelengths much more than longer red ones, spreading blue light across the overhead view while the other colors mostly continue forward.
Near sunset, the sun’s light travels through a longer stretch of air. Much of the blue has already been scattered away, leaving more red and orange light to reach your eyes. That is why the same sky can change color so dramatically by evening.
Wonder words
- wavelength
- molecule
- scatter
- sunset
Try it out
At dinner time, compare the sky near the horizon with the sky overhead and name the colors you can both see.
Read the whole picture book
Watercolour scenes, straight answers, about three minutes cover to cover.
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