Base Information
Volume
V59 - N3 / 2026 Ordinario
Reference
52005
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.7149/OPA.59.3.52005
Language
Spanish
Keywords
Stratospheric optics, Volcanic aerosols, Optical Depth, Rayleigh and Mie Scattering, Color.
Abstract
From time to time, intense explosive volcanic eruptions inject millions of tons of material into the Earth’s stratosphere, primarily in the form of sulfur dioxide and/or water. After a few days, these gases are converted into sulfuric acid particles in liquid phase, which, carried by the winds, spread around the globe, causing changes in the color of the sky due to light scattering processes. This article describes the phenomenon and explains the physical reasons behind the spectacular sunsets observed in the months following the eruption.
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