Rayleigh scattering

noun

Ray·​leigh scattering ˈrā-lē- 

: 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

As the moon slipped into the deepest part of our planet's shadow — a period known as totality — a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering saw the moon adopt a bloody red hue, as sunlight scattered by Earth's atmosphere was bent onto the lunar surface. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025

The color is down to something called Rayleigh scattering — the same physics that explains why a sunset looks orange. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

This phenomenon, known as Rayleigh scattering, creates the same effect that makes sunrises and sunsets so vivid, and paints the moon in an eerie, red glow. —Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2025

However, the sun’s light bends around the planet due to Rayleigh scattering in the Earth’s atmosphere. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

John W. S. Rayleigh

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Rayleigh scattering

• backscattering
• unflattering
• battering
• chattering
• clattering
• flattering
• pattering
• shattering
• smattering
• spattering