What overall effect on the visible spectrum of the light from a star results from the light's passage through Earth's atmosphere?
A) The intensity of the long wavelength portion of the spectrum is increased.
B) The intensity of the short wavelength portion of the spectrum is reduced.
C) The intensity is reduced uniformly across the spectrum.
D) The long and short wavelength portions of the spectrum are reduced in intensity, but the middle portion is unaffected.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of light (such as blue and violet) more than longer wavelengths. This scattering effect reduces the intensity of the short wavelength portion of the light from a star as it passes through the atmosphere, a phenomenon also responsible for the blue color of the sky.

What Overall Effect on the Visible Spectrum of the Light