Sunsets sometimes look reddish-orange because airborne particles are absorbing the shorter wavelengths of light-violet, blue, and green. Sunrises and sunsets are often brightly colored because sunlight is passing through more of the dense lower atmosphere than at midday. Scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research study the large-scale dynamics of the atmosphere and oceans. Their research helps define the roles of clouds, water, sunlight, and other phenomena in weather and climate.
