What does "Rayleigh Scattering" mean?

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Rayleigh scattering is a process that occurs when light interacts with tiny particles in the atmosphere, like molecules of air. This scattering causes shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue and violet, to spread out more than longer wavelengths, like red. As a result, we see the sky as blue during the day.

In certain settings, like when studying distant stars or planets, Rayleigh scattering helps scientists learn about the atmosphere of these celestial bodies. By observing how light scatters, they can determine the composition of gases present and other important features of the atmosphere.

When researchers look for signs of life on other planets, they often rely on Rayleigh scattering to gather clues. This helps them figure out if an exoplanet has the right conditions to support life by analyzing the light reflected from it.