couchées

Couchées, also known as sunsets, are a natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun descends below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the sky. This event marks the end of the day and the beginning of night. The term "couchée" is derived from the French word for "bed," reflecting the sun's descent into a "bed" of darkness.

The colors observed during a couchée are a result of the scattering of light by the Earth's atmosphere. As the sun's rays pass through the atmosphere, shorter wavelengths of light (blue and violet) are scattered more widely, while longer wavelengths (red, orange, and yellow) pass through more directly. This selective scattering creates the vibrant hues that paint the sky during a sunset.

The duration and intensity of a couchée can vary depending on factors such as the time of year, geographical location, and atmospheric conditions. In some regions, particularly near the equator, sunsets may occur almost vertically, resulting in a brief but intense display of colors. In contrast, in higher latitudes, sunsets may occur at an angle, leading to a more gradual and prolonged transition.

Couchées have been a subject of fascination for artists, photographers, and poets throughout history. They are often depicted in various forms of media, symbolizing the passage of time, the beauty of nature, and the transition between day and night. The study of sunsets also plays a role in fields such as meteorology and astronomy, providing insights into atmospheric conditions and celestial mechanics.