Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Phil Krause on 11/10/2010 11:30:02

Title: Why does sunlight fan out from gaps in clouds?
Post by: Phil Krause on 11/10/2010 11:30:02

Phil Krause  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Chris
 
The sun is around 93 million miles away and emits light in all directions so the rays are not parallel.  However, by the time they reach us they are very close to parallel, or should be.  I have noticed that when we have partial cloud cover and the sun starts to peep through them the rays sometimes fan out like they are generated from just behind them rather than from the sun.

Phil        

What do you think?

Title: Why does sunlight fan out from gaps in clouds?
Post by: granpa on 11/10/2010 13:59:03

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perspective_%28graphical%29#One-point_perspective

Title: Why does sunlight fan out from gaps in clouds?
Post by: Bored chemist on 12/10/2010 06:53:29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crepuscular_rays