What Makes a Sunset Worth the Wait?

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Sunset in Phuket, Thailand

During my travels, I've seen some outstanding sunsets - each of them was different and  has been captured in my mind ever since (and in my camera, too!). Going over my pictures, I started wondering - What makes Phuket have those beautiful sunsets? And why is Africa supposed to have the best ones Worldwide? 

In fact, what makes the color of a sunset?

Sunlight is composed of a spectrum of colors that range from blue/violet to orange/red. Each of the colors have a different wavelength - I don't want to get too geeky, it's probably easier if you picture a rainbow. The inner color of the rainbow is violet and blue, which have the shortest wavelength, while the outer ones are orange and red, the colors with the longest wavelength. 

At noon, the sun appears to be white because all wavelengths of visual light reach our eyes with almost the same intensity (remember that Pink Floyd album cover - The Dark Side of the Moon? That's what I mean). However, at sunrise and sunset, sunlight takes a much longer path through the atmosphere. Because air molecules scatter away the shortest wavelengths of light, the light that reaches our eyes is rather orange / reddened. 

Sunset in Phuket, Thailand

All good - But what makes sunsets in some parts of the World more beautiful than in others?

What determines actually the kind of sunset is the size and concentration of atmospheric particles in the path of the incoming sunlight. Very small particles scatter blue and violet light preferentially, leading to a glowing orange and red sunset. A heavy concentration of small particles will create even redder sunsets. 

Does that mean that if we're somewhere with high air pollution, we'll get to see a better sunset? No. Pollution particles are too large, so instead of enhancing the colors of the sky, they subdue them. This is also the reason for which sunsets in deserts and the tropics are more dramatic - the air pollution is rather minimal.

Taking away pollution, there are many other smaller particles that can be floating in the air to create the perfect glowing reddish sunset, such as salt particles over the ocean, or dust and ash from a volcanic eruption. 

Sunset in Fernando de Noronha

Where have you captured your favorite sunset?

Photo Essay: Scuba Diving Fernando de Noronha

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Fernando de Noronha is Brazil's best kept secret. Still pure and simple, with little touristic influence, this archipelago has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Center back in 2001 and it's described as the most beautiful marine park in the World. 

I visited the island over Easter Holidays about 3 years ago with my mom for 5 days, and we had a great time. The highlight of the the trip - besides for the breathtaking beaches, which certainly deserve a separate post - was the Underwater World. A couple of years ago, we obtained our Scuba Diving license and, since then, attempt to dive in each of our travel destinations. And believe me, you will want to have one if you're thinking about visiting Fernando de Noronha. 

... Dive with Sea Turtles in a strong sea current

... Dive so close to them you can almost reach out your hand and touch them 

... See colorful fish and exotic rock formations ...

... which were probably hiding away from us in between these rocks

... And come across a peaceful shark! (with so many little colorful fish swimming around, no wonder he had not even a slight interest on us)

Besides for turtles, sharks and thousands of colorful fish, I also saw rays, dolphins and barracudas. Actually, I was the one that found the group of barracudas while everyone else was amazed following the shark. I dove closer and saw all 4 suddenly turning towards me, which felt a bit scary. Still, besides big barracudas staring at me, this has been so far the best diving experience I've had. 

Holding on to the facts tradition, here you go with 5 interesting facts on Fernando de Noronha you shouldn't miss:

1. The island had been occupied by the dutch, the french and the portuguese
2. The Government limits the number of visitors to 460 at one time, which, together with the 3.500 locals living there permanently, makes it really cozy
3. Visitors pay an Environmental Preservation Tax that increases progressively with the length of the visit
4. Its water is so clear and transparent, that you still have very good visibility at 50 meters depth 
5.  All of the water and 70% of the land on and around Fernando de Noronha is national park

To see more pictures of Fernando de Noronha, head over to my Flickr album!