/oss/taxonomy/term/3249/all en /oss/article/environment-general-science-you-asked/why-sky-blue-or-better-yet-why-ocean-blue <p>The sky is blue due to a phenomenon called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayleigh_scattering">Raleigh scattering</a>. This scattering refers to the scattering of electromagnetic radiation (of which light is a form) by particles of a much smaller wavelength. Sunlight is scattered by the particles of the atmosphere, and what comes through down to earth is called diffuse sky radiation, and though only about 1/3rd of light is scattered, the smallest wavelengths of light tend to scatter easier.</p> Fri, 31 Jan 2020 19:08:37 +0000 Ada McVean B.Sc. 8097 at /oss /oss/article/you-asked/how-are-mirrors-made <p>Imagine the surprise of the first cave person who ever glanced into a reflecting pond. The image probably wasn't too pleasing but the effect was surely intriguing. Vanity was instantly born and the search for better reflective materials was underway. The discovery of metals yielded polished sheets which served well until sometime in the 12th century when it was discovered that glass with a metal backing produced a near perfect image. Craftsmen adept at making mirrors guarded the secrets of their process jealously.</p> Tue, 12 Jun 2018 15:03:14 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 7129 at /oss