Why the Sky Is Blue: Discovering the Color of Life

Science News,  June 2, 2007  

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WHY THE SKY IS BLUE: DiScovering the Color of Lifo GOTZ HOEPPE

In a revised translation of the German edition of his book, science writer and editor Hoeppe explores the answer to one of humanity's--at least its younger members'--most recited questions: Why is the sky blue? The deep azure has been pondered throughout the ages by people of all cultures, writes Hoeppe. Early Greek explanations introduced the correct idea that the blue color is a consequence of sunlight reflecting off air. Hoeppe expands on this idea and outlines other ancient and modern explanations for the sky's familiar color. He chronicles the efforts of legions of scholars, from the Arab mathematician Alhazen to isaac Newton, to explain the nature of light and color. The author delves into the technical side of optics, explaining why Rayleigh scattering is the current explanation for why the sky is blue. Princeton, 2007, 336 p., color plates, hardcover, $29.95.

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