"Why is the sky blue?" is a classic query posed most often by curious young children, and unlike the many other grand mysteries of our universe, we know the answer to this one, thanks to a ...

Colors with extremely short wavelengths, like violet and blue, scatter out much easier due to their short wavelengths. This “scattering” effect is what creates our color in the sky!

In the spring and summer, you’re more likely going to see a light blue sky. Sometimes, it’s kind of a milky appearance, and some days, it can be so light it almost looks white.

For a few nights around the Harvest Moon our satellite illuminates the night sky after dark, making it easier for farmers to continue harvesting their crops after sunset, hence its name.

Back to Article List The sky isn’t just blue — airglow makes it green, yellow, and red too The sky looks blue on a sunny day. But at night, we can see the faint glow of its true color.