Rayleigh scattering is a phenomenon that occurs when light interacts with small particles in the atmosphere, causing the light to change direction and scatter in all directions. It is named after the British physicist Lord Rayleigh who first described it in the late 19th century.
Thomson scattering is a similar phenomenon that occurs when light interacts with free electrons in a plasma, such as in the Sun's atmosphere. The main difference is that Thomson scattering involves the scattering of much larger particles (electrons) compared to Rayleigh scattering, which involves scattering of molecules in the atmosphere.
The key factor that determines the type of scattering is the size of the particles involved. In Rayleigh scattering, the particles (molecules) are much smaller than the wavelength of the light, resulting in a scattering pattern that is dependent on the wavelength. In Thomson scattering, the particles (electrons) are much larger than the wavelength of the light, resulting in a scattering pattern that is independent of the wavelength.
Scientists use Rayleigh and Thomson scattering in a variety of ways, including studying the composition and properties of Earth's atmosphere and other planetary atmospheres. They also use these phenomena to study the behavior of plasma in the Sun and other astrophysical environments.
Yes, Rayleigh scattering can be observed in everyday life in the blue color of the sky and the reddening of the Sun at sunset. Thomson scattering can also be observed in everyday life in the form of auroras, which are caused by interactions between solar wind particles and Earth's magnetic field.