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Space, GPS & MapsAstronomy

The Sun Is White

It only looks yellow through our atmosphere

Every child draws the Sun with the yellow crayon. From orbit, astronauts see no yellow at all. So where does the yellow come from?

You'll find out

  • What sunlight is really made of
  • What the air does to a sunbeam
  • Why no star in the sky is green

Why it matters

One beam of sunlight explains sunsets, the colors of the stars, and why a sheet of paper looks white at noon.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 119 · Zone 14

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