sunset?

[coggles]

I am curious that both sunrise and sunset over the last few days have been particularly impressive due to the intense 'redness'. Is this unusual, or my lack of attention in the past? Anders, Coggles servant

[Cetti]

Hi coggles - or Anders! Haven't noticed it down our way recently - but last month there was the most spectacular sky we have ever seen.The whole sky was a pink and purple haze - everyone was out with their cameras!

Someone is bound to give you a proper explanation, but it could be the sun's rays were reflected through the atmosphere to create this amazing colour.

[sft42]

On checking with the Met office site the winds have been from the south this past week or so (an unusual direction) and it's quite possible that they have brought a lot of sand from the north african region up with them....this would cause a lot more diffusion of the light than normal and it would present itself as a more colourful sunrise or senset when the sunlight has more atmosphere to make its way through.....say Hi to Kelly LeBrock for me!

[coggles]

On behalf of my husband, who posted this question (servant, indeed!) - thank you both! I am sure he will comment himself when he gets home............!? KLB

[incitatus]

it is atmospheric dust to blame. rayleigh scattering by small particles effectively deflects the red rays from te normal. After krakatoa went off there were spectacular sunsets.

[PaulB]

Also, look out for a good one this evening too Mr Coggles :oP