StarTalk Radio Things You Thought You Knew – The Color of the Sun
Dec 30, 2025
What color is the sun, really? Dive into atmospheric scattering with Neil deGrasse Tyson as he explains why the sun's true hue is white, not yellow. Discover how basic materials like snow can illustrate this phenomenon. Explore the acoustics of thunder and lightning, learning how sound changes with distance. Friction takes center stage, showcasing its vital role in our lives, from walking to rocket science. Plus, find out why fresh snow makes the world feel eerily quiet!
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Why The Sun Looks Yellow Or Red
- The Sun appears yellow or red at sunrise/sunset because sunlight travels through much more atmosphere then and blue light is scattered away.
- In broad daylight, sunlight is essentially white and illuminates white objects (like snow) as white.
Sunlight Vs. Indoor Lighting For Photographers
- Photographers balance 'color temperature' because incandescent bulbs lack blue compared with sunlight, making outdoor light appear bluer to film.
- Historical film practices (indoor vs outdoor film) reflect real spectral differences between sunlight and tungsten light.
Why Thunder Rumbles And Changes With Distance
- Thunder is a shock wave from air rapidly heated by lightning; the bolt's kinks create multiple shock sources producing complex rumbling.
- High-frequency components attenuate with distance, so distant thunder sounds lower and more rumbling.