The 1991 Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines caused brilliantly colored sunrises and sunsets to be seen for the next few years. What caused this phenomenon?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 emitted large amounts of sulfur dioxide and other gases into the stratosphere, where they formed tiny particles called aerosols. These aerosols scattered and reflected sunlight, creating a stunning effect of brilliantly colored sunrises and sunsets visible around the world for the next few years. This phenomenon is known as the "volcanic sunset". It did not destroy the Earth's protective ozone layer or add large amounts of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. There were no radioactive atoms blown into the atmosphere during the eruption that could have caused the glows seen in the sky.

The 1991 Pinatubo Eruption in the Philippines Caused Brilliantly Colored