Best Sunrise Ever! What Causes the Colors in a Sunrise/Sunset?

Being the morning guy I am cursed with having to set my alarm clock to insanely early hours, but I am blessed to see lots and lots on sunrises. Today's was one of the best I have set my eyes on in a long time.

It got me thinking, what causes the different colors we see in a sunrise or a sunset?

I know, it's too early in the morning for science, but bare with me.

According to Science Daily the colors we see are due to a phenomenon called 'scattering'.

Because the sun is low on the horizon, sunlight passes through more air at sunset and sunrise than during the day, when the sun is higher in the sky. More atmosphere means more molecules to scatter the violet and blue light away from your eyes.

If the path is long enough, all of the blue and violet light scatters out of your line of sight. The other colors continue on their way to your eyes. This is why sunsets are often yellow, orange, and red. -Steven Ackerman, professor of meteorology at UW-Madison

You can read a much more in depth description how our sunrises and sunsets are made from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

What a way to start a week, eh?

[NOAA]

[SCIENCE DAILY]