Rayleigh Scattering and linear polarization

[Decimal]

Hello,

I am having a bit of trouble understanding the concept of Rayleigh scattering as it relates to light from the sun. My book states that unpolarized light will hit the atmosphere, and the scattered light will be mainly horizontally polarized, while the unscattered light remains unpolarized. Why is this? I understand that the light will scatter because of oscillating electrons in electric dipoles, but I don't see why that would result in sunlight being horizontally polarized. Do all molecules in the atmosphere have similar oscillation directions?

Thanks!

 

[Lord Jestocost]

Have a look at https://sciencedemonstrations.fas.harvard.edu/presentations/polarization-scattering

 

[Decimal]

Have a look at https://sciencedemonstrations.fas.harvard.edu/presentations/polarization-scattering

Ah that really helps, thank you!