I The reflection of the sunset on the water is redder--Why?

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The redder appearance of sunset reflections on water is attributed to light absorption and polarization effects. When observing sunsets with polarizing sunglasses, the difference in color intensity can be noted, with horizontally polarized light appearing redder than vertically polarized light. This phenomenon occurs because light reflecting off surfaces tends to favor polarization parallel to the surface. The angle of reflection plays a significant role in how colors are perceived. Understanding these optical principles enhances the appreciation of sunset reflections.
wilddouglascounty
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December 9, 2021 wetlands sunset.jpg

I presume that some kind of absorption occurs when the sunset is reflected on the water, but can anyone describe this in more detail?
 
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Next time you see this, have a set of polarizing sun glasses on hand. I suspect you will discover that the horizontally polarized lunset is redder than the vertically polarized sunset. When light makes a shallow reflection of any surface, the reflection of light polarized parallel to the surface is favored.
 

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