: 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
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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.
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Rayleigh scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rayleigh%20scattering. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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