NORFOLK, Va. — Have you ever heard of the phrase "red sky in the morning, sailors take warning" when you were a kid? Well, it's an old saying that has its roots in weather forecasting and maritime traditions. This saying is based on the observation of the sky's color at sunrise and sunset and its correlation with weather patterns. It has been used for centuries by sailors to predict the weather and ensure safe navigation.
The science behind this phrase lies in the behavior of weather systems and the scattering of sunlight by the atmosphere. Weather systems in the mid-latitudes normally move from west to east. When the sky appears red in the morning, it indicates that the rising sun is illuminating clouds to the west. These clouds are likely part of an approaching weather system, such as a storm or a front, which can bring bad weather. Therefore, a red sky in the morning serves as a warning of deteriorating weather conditions.
The red color itself is due to shorter wavelengths of blue and violet light getting scattered out of the direct path of sunlight, leaving longer wavelengths (red and orange) to take over the sky. This effect is more pronounced when the sun is low on the horizon, such as during sunrise and sunset.
On the other hand, the saying "Red sky at night, sailors delight" suggests that if the sky is red at sunset, it indicates that the setting sun is illuminating clouds to the east. These clouds are likely moving away, signaling that good weather is approaching from the west. This phenomenon provides sailors with a sense of reassurance that the weather will be favorable for their journey.
