Why does the air sparkle when it's cold?

Subject: Why does the air sparkle when it's cold?

Date: Thu Jan 4 12:05:44 2001
Posted by Catherine Idzerda
Grade level: undergrad School: Janesville Gazette,
City: janesville State/Province: wi Country: USA
Area of science: Earth Sciences
ID: 978627944.Es

Message:


It's been very cold in Janesville this month. We've had 35 inches of snow. 
The other morning, it was bright, sunny and about 5 degrees F. above zero. 
The air was sparkling. It was especially noticable at against dark 
objects. It was really lovely, but why does it happen?

Re: Why does the air sparkle when it's cold?

Current Queue | Current Queue for Earth Sciences | Earth Sciences archives

Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Earth Sciences.