Why do sunsets display intense yellows, oranges, and reds?
Answer
The increased path length scatters almost all short-wavelength blue and green light out of the direct line of sight
When the Sun is low, its light travels through a much thicker section of the atmosphere. This long path causes the shorter wavelengths (blue/green) to be scattered away entirely, leaving the longer wavelengths (red/orange) to reach the observer directly.
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