: 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
The lunar disk may also appear to take on a yellow-orange hue in the hour following moonrise, thanks to Rayleigh scattering.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Aug. 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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 7 Aug. 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
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
Cite this Entry
“Rayleigh scattering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rayleigh%20scattering. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share