How Would You Describe a Sunset?

A sunset occurs when the sun descends below the horizon and the light of the day slowly fades. This happens at different times depending on where you are in the world, the particular time of the year and the rotation of the earth. Regardless of when it happens, the sun setting usually marks the end of the day and the beginning of the night.

Sunsets are typically very beautiful and scenic events, worthy of marveling and cherishing. They can sometimes even look like paintings or other pieces of art – so much so that people have made careers out of capturing and studying their essence.

When the sun sets, the colors of the sky change from what is normally a light blue, gray or white cloudy sky to darker hues of blue or shades of red, orange, violet and yellow. Scientists say the lower positioning of the sun on the horizon, combined with the molecules and particles in the atmosphere, affect the way and direction light is reflected. When the phenomenon of light rays scattering happens, it results in colorful sunsets. The details of colors and designs on the sky are determined by the wavelength of the light and the size of the particles.