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Why Autumn Sunsets Are So Vivid

Published Oct 25 2012 04:34 PM EDT

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First, a lesson in the colors of the rainbow: Blue light has a short wavelength, so it gets scattered easiest by air molecules, such as nitrogen and oxygen. Longer wavelength lights -- reds and oranges -- are not scattered as much by air molecules.


During this time of year, weather patterns allow for dry, clean Canadian air to sweep across country, and more colors of the spectrum make it through to our eyes without getting scattered by particles in the air, producing brilliant sunsets and sunrises that can look red, orange, yellow or even pink.

In the last few weeks, our iWitness contributors from around the country have sent us dozens of photos that capture evening skies in glorious palettes of autumn colors. Here are some of our favorites.

(MORE: Favorite Fall Drives of 2012 | Seven Stunning Summer Sunsets)