Diffraction of light is the phenomenon where light bends or spreads out as it passes through a narrow opening or around an obstacle. It is caused by the wave-like nature of light.
The silver lining of clouds is caused by diffraction of light. When sunlight passes through the edges of clouds, the light is diffracted and appears silver or golden in color.
The amount of diffraction that occurs depends on several factors, including the wavelength of the light, the size of the opening or obstacle, and the distance between the light source and the opening or obstacle.
During sunrise and sunset, the sun's light is passing through a larger portion of the Earth's atmosphere, causing more diffraction. This results in a longer wavelength of light being scattered, giving the sky a reddish or orange color.
Understanding diffraction of light is important in many fields of science, including physics, astronomy, and meteorology. It allows us to explain and predict phenomena such as the silver lining of clouds, the colors of the sky, and the behavior of light in various environments.