Päikeseglasoodsed

Päikeseglasoodsed is a term used to describe clouds that appear to be colored by sunlight, particularly during sunrise and sunset. These clouds are not a distinct meteorological classification but rather an optical phenomenon. The colors observed are due to the scattering of sunlight by atmospheric particles. During sunrise and sunset, sunlight travels through a greater portion of the Earth's atmosphere, meaning more of the shorter, bluer wavelengths of light are scattered away. This leaves the longer, redder and orange wavelengths to reach the observer, illuminating the clouds.

The specific colors and intensity can vary greatly depending on factors such as the amount of dust, water vapor, and pollution in the atmosphere, as well as the angle of the sun. A clear atmosphere will typically produce more vibrant and saturated colors than an atmosphere laden with aerosols, which can scatter light more broadly and create more muted hues. While often associated with beautiful sky displays, the atmospheric conditions that lead to particularly intense päikeseglasoodsed can sometimes indicate higher levels of air pollutants. The phenomenon is most commonly observed in the eastern sky at sunrise and the western sky at sunset.