If You See the Sky Turning Green, Find Shelter Fast

The Green Sky of South Dakota

On July 5, 2022, the sky in South Dakota turned a bright green. This was a rare and unusual sight, and it quickly became a hot topic of conversation online.

There are a few different theories about what caused the green sky. One theory is that it was caused by a derecho, a type of widespread and long-lived thunderstorm. Derechos can produce strong winds, heavy rain, and hail. The hailstones in a derecho can be large enough to cause damage to property and vehicles.

Another theory is that the green sky was caused by algae blooms. Algae blooms are a type of water pollution that can occur when there is too much nutrient runoff from farms or other sources. When algae blooms occur, they can produce a green or blue-green color in the water.

A third theory is that the green sky was caused by a combination of factors, including the sun's position in the sky, the presence of storm clouds, and the size of the hailstones. The sun's rays contain all of the colors of the rainbow, but they have different wavelengths. Blue light has the shortest wavelength, while red light has the longest. When the sun is low in the sky, the blue light is scattered more than the red light, which is why sunsets often appear red.

Storm clouds are made up of water droplets and ice crystals. When these particles are large enough, they can reflect blue and green light. If the sun is low in the sky and there are large hailstones in the clouds, the blue and green light can be reflected back to Earth, making the sky appear green.

So, what caused the green sky in South Dakota? It is likely that a combination of factors was responsible. The presence of a derecho, algae blooms, and the sun's position in the sky all likely played a role.

Whatever the cause, the green sky was a rare and beautiful sight. It is a reminder of the power of nature and the beauty of the natural world.

The Science of Green Skies

The science behind why the sky turns green is actually quite complex. However, in simple terms, it has to do with the way that light is scattered by different particles in the atmosphere.

The sun's rays contain all of the colors of the rainbow, but they have different wavelengths. Blue light has the shortest wavelength, while red light has the longest. When sunlight hits the atmosphere, the blue light is scattered more than the red light. This is why the sky appears blue during the day.

However, when the sun is low in the sky, the blue light is scattered so much that it is absorbed by the atmosphere. This is why sunsets often appear red.

Storm clouds are made up of water droplets and ice crystals. These particles are much larger than the air molecules that scatter blue light during the day. As a result, they can reflect blue and green light back to Earth, making the sky appear green.

The Dangers of Green Skies

While green skies can be a beautiful sight, they can also be a sign of danger. In some cases, green skies have been associated with severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and other dangerous weather events.

If you see a green sky, it is important to take precautions. This includes finding shelter and staying away from windows. It is also a good idea to monitor the weather forecast and be aware of any potential hazards.

Conclusion

Green skies are a rare and beautiful sight, but they can also be a sign of danger. If you see a green sky, it is important to take precautions and be aware of the potential hazards.