Here you see the sun setting over Deer Isle to the west of us. The temperature was a reported 26 degrees (F) when this was taken at 4:49 p.m. Friday.
It warmed up considerably Saturday and rained last night, which melted and washed away virtually all of our snow. At 7:15 a.m. this morning when I cranked up the computer, it was 46 degrees and the field was clear of snow.
As for sunsets here, the most dramatic ones occur in November through February. Why? As I understand it, the explanation begins with the sun’s rays at sunset being lower relative to us and, therefore, having to travel farther. That longer distance filters out more blue and green light, which allows us to see more red and orange light at sunset. But, there’s more.
Less humidity in winter means that the air is clearer, not filled with water-swelled impurities. And, a good portion of that air originates in the icy Arctic, which has cleaner air due to fewer trees, less dust, and scant, if any, industrial pollution. Fewer impurities mean more and purer light. (Image taken in Brooklin, Maine, on December 7, 2023.) Click on the image to enlarge it.