+44 (0) 7490 373980 447490373980 Book a 121 Donate!
     

Steffi Lewis | Blog

Turning coffee into code since 1993 ...

The Science Behind our Beautiful Blue Sky

Steffi Lewis

CREATED BY STEFFI LEWIS

Published: 08/06/2024 @ 13:00PM
#bluesky #beauty #naturalwonder #science #atmosphere

Have you ever stopped to admire the beauty of the blue sky? Its vast expanse, ever-changing hues and the way sunlight dances through the clouds can leave us in awe. But have you ever wondered about the science behind this natural wonder?

Blue sky above me, Endless sea of endless blue, Peaceful and serene

Blue sky above me, Endless sea of endless blue, Peaceful and serene

The first thing that comes to mind when we think of the blue sky is its colour. But did you know that the colour of the sky is not actually blue? The sky appears blue to us because of a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering.

This happens when sunlight hits the Earth's atmosphere. It gets scattered in all directions by the molecules in the air. The blue wavelengths of light are scattered more than the other colours, making the sky appear blue to our eyes.

But what makes up our atmosphere and how
does 
it contribute to the blue sky?

Our atmosphere is made up of different gases, including nitrogen, oxygen and trace amounts of other gases. These gases play a crucial role in creating the blue sky we see. Nitrogen and oxygen molecules are the most abundant in our atmosphere. They are responsible for scattering sunlight and creating the blue colour of the sky.

Another important factor in creating the blue sky is the Earth's rotation. As the Earth rotates on its axis, the angle at which sunlight hits the atmosphere changes. This affects the scattering of light and the colour of the sky. During sunrise and sunset, the angle of sunlight is lower. This causes the blue wavelengths to scatter less, giving the sky a reddish-orange hue.

But the blue sky is not just a beautiful
sight to behold!

It also plays a crucial role in our daily lives. The blue colour of the sky results from the Earth's atmosphere filtering out harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. These UV rays can cause damage to our skin and eyes, so the blue sky acts as a natural sunscreen.

The blue sky affects our mood and mental well-being. Studies have shown that the colour blue has a calming effect on our minds. It can help reduce stress and anxiety. So next time you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to look up at the blue sky and let its calming effects wash over you.

Now let's talk about the role of sunlight in creating the blue sky. Sunlight is made up of different colours, each with a different wavelength. As mentioned earlier, the blue wavelengths are scattered more than the others. This scattering gives the sky its blue colour. But what happens to the other colours? They get scattered in different directions. This scattering is why we see a variety of colours in the sky, such as red, orange and pink during sunrise and sunset.

But the blue sky is not always blue, is it?

Well, actually it still is, but there are clouds in the way! Have you ever noticed that on a cloudy day, the sky appears to be a dull grey? This is because the clouds are made up of water droplets and ice crystals which scatter all the colours of sunlight equally. This scattering makes the sky appear grey, or even white if it's about to snow.

The blue sky is a result of the complex interactions between our atmosphere, sunlight and the Earth's rotation. Its beauty and calming effects are a testament to the wonders of science.

Next time you look up at the blue sky, remember the fascinating science behind its creation.

Love, light & logic ...

Steffi Lewis

STEFFI LEWIS
Independent UK SaaS Developer - Creator of YourPCM & sBlogIt!

Share the blog love ...

Share this to FacebookBuffer
Share this to FacebookFacebook
Share this to TwitterTwitter
Share this to Linkedin (popup window)Linkedin
Share this to Pinterest (popup window)Pinterest
Share this to WhatsApp (popup window)WhatsApp

#bluesky #beauty #naturalwonder #science #atmosphere

About Steffi Lewis ...

Steffi Lewis 

Based in the charming village of Hanslope in Buckinghamshire, UK, I bring over 30 years of experience in web development. From creating my first website for the Open University in 1993, through being part of the dot com boom, to my explorations in SaaS and AI over the last few years, my journey has been a rich tapestry of web projects, big and small, both funded and bootstrapped.

Originally developed during the pandemic, at the start of 2025, I released the next iteration of YourPCM, version 2, which is all about 'Easy Contact Management for Small Business Owners'. Is it a CRM? Yes, but I don't call it that because people glaze over at the mention of such things. CRMs are boring, difficult to get to grips with, and it's a nightmare to get help when you need it. 

YourPCM is none of those things! It's simple to use, well-supported, feature rich and beautiful, right out of the box. It's available on a simple monthly subscription with no long-term tie-in. Book a demo or grab your own 14-working-day free trial and discover why YourPCM is all about easy contact management for small business owners. 

My head is in the cloud, my heart belongs to the web, and my soul is filled with such beautiful code 💗

More blog posts for you to enjoy ...

Click here to view this blog post


Universal Basic Income: A Vision for the Future in an AI-Driven Economy

AI technology is rapidly transforming industries, and Universal Basic Income presents a compelling solution to tackle the implications of mass automation. It can safeguard livelihoods while fostering an innovative economy ......

Click here to view this blog post


That's One Small Step For A Coder, One Giant Leap For sBlogIt! Kind

While many people put their feet up over Easter and spent time with friends and family, my long weekend saw me at my desk, dunking Chocolate Hobnobs in my coffee, moving the sBlogIt! v2 project further along. And now we're at...

Click here to view this blog post


Business Networking for SaaS Founders

In the business world, networking is often the lifeblood that drives growth, partnerships, and innovation. For SaaS founders particularly, striking the right balance between cost-effective virtual networking and face-to-face ...

Click here to view this blog post


Artificial Intelligence: Supporting Our Progress, Not Replacing Our Potential

The deeper I dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence, the more I discover normally rational individuals who fear AI. Some even loathe it and believe it will replace the human workers and create a dystopian society .....

Click here to view this blog post


I feel the need, the need for coding! sBlogIt! V2 launches in May!

Well, I did plan on having a few months without coding, but finances told me otherwise. The cost of living crisis is getting out of hand, so I decided to do what I'm good at and create something new which I know people will s...

Click here to view this blog post


The Need for Human Oversight with Autonomous Weapons Systems

As artificial intelligence advances, the urgency for comprehensive human oversight in governing autonomous weapons systems (AWS) grows. Without regulation, the potential dangers may severely eclipse the bene...

Click here to view this blog post


The Sustainable SaaS Business Model and the Art of Going Green

As the dire consequences of climate change become increasingly apparent, industries across the globe are grappling with the urgent need for sustainability ......

Click here to view this blog post


Exploring the Impact of a Fully Automated Business on the Economy

The notion of a fully automated business has sparked both excitement and apprehension across various sectors. In essence, a fully automated business replaces human involvement in operations with advanced technology, such ...

Other bloggers you may like ...

Click here to view this blog post


Understanding the Certificate of Good Standing

Posted by Roger Eddowes on https://blog.essendonaccounts.co.uk

Credibility is the cornerstone of any successful business operation and helps to improve growth. One pivotal document that aids in establishing credib ...

Click here to view this blog post


Mastering Interview Techniques: Your Path to Success in Interviews

Posted by Dave Cordle on https://blog.davecordle.co.uk

Unlock the secrets to a successful interview by mastering key interview techniques that will set you apart from other candidates. A strategic approach ...

Click here to view this blog post


Delegation: Some Common Mistakes

Posted by Jacky Sherman on https://www.jackysherman.com

Once again this week, for me that crucial management skill reared its ugly head. I’m talking, of course, about delegation ... ...

Click here to view this blog post


Maximising Tax Relief on Pensions

Posted by Helen Beaumont on https://blog.essendontax.co.uk

The implications of tax policy changes can significantly impact individual financial planning, and strategic pension contributions serve as a vital to ...

Click here to discover sBlogIt! The done-for-you blogging service