Polarization of skylight, and polarization by reflection

In summary, polarization occurs when light reflects from a non-conductive surface, causing the vertical components to be absorbed and the parallel components to be reflected. This can be observed with a polarized lens when looking at the sky on an axis perpendicular to the direction of light travel.
  • #1
Moose352
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Can someone explain why skylight is polarized, and how polarization occurs through reflection?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
If you observe the sky on a axis which is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the light, (Sun in the south, look east or west) with a polarized lens you can see the polarization. This polarization is simply due the effect of observing the "side view" of "passing" rays. The only components you can observe are vertical, thus it appears to be polarized.

When light reflects from a NON CONDUCTIVE surface the component of the incident light which is normal to the surface is adsorbed by the material. While the component which parallel to the surface is reflected. Thus the reflected light is polarized.
 

What is polarization of skylight?

Polarization of skylight refers to the phenomenon where light from the sky becomes polarized due to scattering by particles in the Earth's atmosphere. This means that the light waves are aligned in a particular direction, rather than in all directions as in unpolarized light.

How is skylight polarized?

Skylight is polarized through a process called Rayleigh scattering, where light waves interact with particles in the atmosphere and become polarized. This is more pronounced when the sun is closer to the horizon, as the light has to travel through more of the atmosphere.

What is the role of polarization in animal navigation?

Many animals, such as birds, insects, and fish, use the polarization of skylight as a navigational aid. By detecting the angle of polarization, they can determine their position and orientation in relation to the sun, which helps them navigate and orient themselves during migration or foraging.

How does reflection cause polarization?

Reflection can cause polarization when light reflects off a non-metallic surface, such as water or glass. This is because the reflected light waves are predominantly oriented in one direction, resulting in polarized light. This is why polarized sunglasses are effective at reducing glare from these surfaces.

What are some applications of polarization by reflection?

Polarization by reflection has various applications, including in photography, where polarizing filters can enhance the color and contrast of images by blocking out reflected light. It is also used in LCD screens, where polarized filters are used to control the amount and direction of light passing through the display. In addition, scientists use polarization by reflection to study the properties of materials and to identify substances through polarimetry.

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