Why Does the Sun Look Yellow and Orange? BRIN Explains the Role of the Atmosphere

GARISBUMI.com – The Sun appears white when seen from outside the Earth's atmosphere, but from the surface it can appear yellowish to orange at dusk. The color difference is influenced by the scattering of light when it passes through the atmosphere.

Young Expert Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Space Research Center, Rasdewita Kesumaningrum, explained that visible light from the Sun consists of various wavelengths which experience scattering when entering the atmosphere.

"The original color of the Sun in outer space is white. All wavelengths of visible light enter the Earth's atmosphere and experience scattering, due to the presence of atoms and particles in the atmosphere, for example nitrogen and oxygen," said Rasdewita in the Basic Space Situational Awareness Training, Tuesday (20/10/2026).

In a process known as Rayleigh scattering, short-wavelength light, such as blue and violet, is more easily scattered in different directions. This process also influences the color of sunlight that reaches the observer's eyes directly.

Why Does Twilight Look Orange?

Towards dusk, the Sun's position becomes lower towards the horizon. Light that reaches the observer has to travel a longer path through the atmosphere than when the Sun is high in the sky.

"In the afternoon, the Sun can look orange because sunlight that enters the Earth's atmosphere at a lower altitude passes through the atmosphere for a longer time to reach our eyes," explained Rasdewita.

Local air conditions also influence its appearance. According to the explanation in BRIN's public relations material, the large amount of aerosols or dust in the air, such as during the dry season, can make the orange color of the evening sun look even more intense.