Scattering and Colors
				q Short wavelengths (blue and violet) of visible light are scattered more effectively than are longer wavelengths (red, orange). Therefore, when the Sun is overhead, an observer can look in any direction and see predominantly blue light that was selectively scattered by the gases in the atmosphere. q At sunset, the path of light must take through the atmosphere is much longer. Most of the blue light is scattered before it reaches an observer. Thus the Sun appears reddish in color.