SUNSET: 
0
Photographer:
Leonardo Ruiz
Location of Photo:
Lago Chapála, Jalisco, México
Date/Time of photo:
03-16-2025
Equipment:
Iphone 14
Description:
Why Does the Sun Change Color and Flatten at Sunrise? As the Sun rises, its light travels through a thicker layer of atmosphere near the horizon. Despite its small apparent size of about 0.54°, light scattering is strong enough to create noticeable effects: the lower part appears redder due to increased scattering, while the upper portion remains more yellowish-white. The surrounding sky also shows a gradient, with Mie scattering enhancing reds near the Sun. Additionally, atmospheric refraction bends the lower edge’s light more than the upper, slightly flattening the Sun. These effects combine to create the stunning colors and shapes of sunrise.
