sunrays

Sunrays, or sunbeams, are the visible components of solar radiation that reach Earth. While commonly described as real 'rays,' the light originates from the Sun and travels through space as nearly parallel beams before interacting with the atmosphere and surface.

The Sun emits a broad spectrum of energy, including visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation. As sunlight enters Earth's atmosphere, it is scattered by molecules and aerosols (a process known as Rayleigh scattering) and reflected by clouds, dust, and water droplets. The overall effect is a diffuse field of light with occasional brighter shafts that look like beams.

The beam-like appearance is largely due to perspective: sunlight that is only partly blocked by clouds, terrain, or other obstacles can emerge as narrow channels of light that seem to radiate from the Sun toward the ground. When the Sun is near the horizon, these beams are called crepuscular rays; when seen opposite the Sun, they are termed anticrepuscular rays.

Sunrays are more noticeable in hazy, humid, or foggy conditions, or after events that raise airborne particles such as wildfires or dust storms. They are widely photographed and often dubbed 'god rays' for their dramatic effect. Direct exposure to the Sun carries a risk of eye damage; sunglasses or indirect viewing is advised.

See also: sunlight, atmospheric scattering, crepuscular rays, and anticrepuscular rays.