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What makes a sunrise or sunset so colorful?

Winter tends to be particularly beautiful around dawn and dusk

SAN ANTONIO – Tuesday’s sunset around San Antonio was gorgeous! Check out some of the pictures sent in by KSAT 12 viewers.

WHY ARE SUNRISES/SUNSETS COLORFUL?

It’s all about the kindergarten staple of how light breaks down into different colors -- ROYGBIV!

At sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon, the light scatters through more of the atmosphere than during the day. The longer wavelengths of red and orange light remain visible. Blue light -- which has a shorter wavelength -- is not visible because all of the particles are broken up.

Another shot of tonight's ducktacular sunset from Woodlawn Lake.
SkyWatcher (Oscar)

Another shot of tonight's ducktacular sunset from Woodlawn Lake.

San Antonio
This evenings sunset was TRULY BREATHTAKING.
Taylor Mcclelland

This evenings sunset was TRULY BREATHTAKING.

San Antonio

DOES TIME OF YEAR MATTER?

Yes! In the winter, the sun angle is lower which means that sunrises and sunsets last a little longer. There’s also typically less water vapor, or humidity, in the air during the winter. This allows for more vibrant colors and less hazy skies.

Culebra inside 1604 loop
Leo Hurtado

Culebra inside 1604 loop

San Antonio

WHAT TYPE OF CLOUDS MAKE FOR THE BEST VIEWING?

A scattering of mid-level and high level clouds create colorful sunrises and sunsets. This is because the higher clouds intercept the longer wavelength red and orange light as the sun is setting.

It's a beautiful sunset this evening! God's marvelous work!
odnavres24

It's a beautiful sunset this evening! God's marvelous work!

Castroville

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A STUNNER OF A SUNSET OVER WOODLAWN LAKE THIS EVENING!!!
Taylor Mcclelland

A STUNNER OF A SUNSET OVER WOODLAWN LAKE THIS EVENING!!!

San Antonio

About the Author
Sarah Spivey headshot

Sarah Spivey is a San Antonio native who grew up watching KSAT. She has been a proud member of the KSAT Weather Authority Team since 2017. Sarah is a Clark High School and Texas A&M University graduate. She previously worked at KTEN News. When Sarah is not busy forecasting, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and cat, and playing music.

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