The citizens of the United Kingdom contemplated a sun dyed red over their heads last Monday, October 16. The phenomenon was initially perceived in the west of England and Wales before spreading to other areas.
This unique phenomenon is the result of two catastrophic events in nature: the remains of Hurricane Ophelia carrying tropical air and dust from the Sahara; and, what is more surprising, even ash remains from forest fires that occurred in northern Portugal, Galicia and Asturias , would also have contributed to the event.
But why does this phenomenon originate? Dust has scattered shorter wavelength blue light, making it appear red.
According to the UK's National Weather Service, the "vast majority" of the dust was the result of forest fires in the Iberian Peninsula , which have thrown debris into the air and which Ophelia dragged north.
Ophelia originated in the Azores, where it was a hurricane and, as it made its way north, it blew the tropical air out of the Sahara.
Particles in the air cause the blue light to scatter, letting the longer wavelength red light shine through.
