Rayleigh Scattering (Gas Molecules)
q Involves gases, or other scattering
agents that are smaller than the energy
wavelengths.
q Scatter energy forward and backward.
q Partial to shorter wavelength energy,
such as those which inhabit the shorter
portion of the visible spectrum.
q Responsible for (1) blue sky in clear
days, (2) blue tint of the atmosphere
when viewed from space, and the
redness of sunsets and sunrises.