- #1
dellianaL
- 3
- 0
need it soon...very irritating. 
Why do you get sunburnt on a cloudy day?
- Thread starter dellianaL
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of sunburn occurring on cloudy days, exploring the relationship between cloud cover and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Participants examine the transmission of both UV and visible light through clouds.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant asserts that clouds are not opaque to ultraviolet light, suggesting that some UV radiation can penetrate through clouds.
- Another participant elaborates that clouds also allow visible light to pass, indicating that the transmission properties of clouds for UV light are somewhat analogous to those for visible light, though the amount of UV that gets through is limited.
- A reference to a song lyric is made to illustrate the idea that sunlight can still be perceived on cloudy days, reinforcing the point about light transmission.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the notion that clouds allow some UV light to penetrate, but the extent of this penetration and its implications for sunburn remain less explicitly defined.
Contextual Notes
The discussion does not delve into specific measurements of UV transmission through different types of clouds or the varying effects of UV exposure on skin under different conditions.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in the effects of weather on UV exposure, skin health, or the physics of light may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
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Because clouds are not opaque to ultraviolet light, of course.
- Warren
- Warren
- #3
LURCH
Science Advisor
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To expand a bit;
Clouds are not opaque to visible light either. Ever notice how on a cloudy day, you can still see? The amount of light in the visible range that gets through the clouds is not zero. The UV radiation that does the famage to your skin is close to the frequencies of visible light, so the effect of clouds on these two forms of radiation is similar. Not much UV gets through, but some.
That's why the song "My Girl" can truthfully say, "I got sunshine, on a cloudy day..."
Clouds are not opaque to visible light either. Ever notice how on a cloudy day, you can still see? The amount of light in the visible range that gets through the clouds is not zero. The UV radiation that does the famage to your skin is close to the frequencies of visible light, so the effect of clouds on these two forms of radiation is similar. Not much UV gets through, but some.
That's why the song "My Girl" can truthfully say, "I got sunshine, on a cloudy day..."
- #4
dellianaL
- 3
- 0
Thanks you guys...
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