Yangshan Clouds: A Sunset Mirror by the Lake

Recorded by the shores of Yangshan Lake, this image captures a sunset glow with profound depth and layering.

From a physics standpoint, these magnificent colors are the result of Rayleigh scattering, occurring as the sun’s altitude angle decreases and light travels through a thicker portion of the atmosphere. The mirror reflection on the lake’s surface and the drifting clouds on the horizon form a perfect optical symmetry, showcasing the atmospheric optical charm of the natural environment surrounding our campus.

Sunset at Yangshan Lake | Atmospheric Rayleigh Scattering