Rayleigh scattering

noun

Ray·​leigh scattering ˈrā-lē- How to pronounce Rayleigh scattering (audio)
: scattering of light by particles small enough to render the effect selective so that different colors are deflected through different angles

Examples of Rayleigh scattering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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And Rayleigh scattering also explains why the sky tends to be reddish when the Sun is close to the horizon – at sunrise and sunset. Daniel Freedman, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2025 The reddish hue during a total lunar eclipse happens because sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters blue light and allows red wavelengths to reach the moon, an effect known as Rayleigh scattering. Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 To detect these nanoparticles, scientists can take advantage of a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. F.d. Flam, Twin Cities, 18 Jan. 2024 This is false, of course; Manos writes that Rayleigh scattering would render the stars invisible—even from the bottom of a cylindrical vertical shaft or tall chimney. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2023 So Rayleigh scattering is intensified, with orange dominating the light that makes it to your eyes. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 15 June 2022 The physics at play here is Rayleigh scattering. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 14 July 2022 In the shadow and the angle the light hits the Earth, a process called Rayleigh scattering occurs, which is basically the refraction of light. Rick Green, courant.com, 19 Nov. 2021 Such a sight would have had the capacity to inspire Seurat, especially considering that the artist was keen on the science of diffraction and Rayleigh scattering. Stephen James O’Meara, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2021

Word History

Etymology

John W. S. Rayleigh

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Rayleigh scattering was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near Rayleigh scattering

Cite this Entry

“Rayleigh scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rayleigh%20scattering. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

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