Mie Scattering is a type of light scattering that occurs when light interacts with particles that are similar in size to the wavelength of the light. This phenomenon is named after the German physicist Gustav Mie, who developed a mathematical solution to describe how light scatters off spherical particles. Mie Scattering is responsible for the white appearance of clouds and the blue color of the sky, as it affects how light is scattered in different directions.
Unlike Rayleigh Scattering, which occurs with smaller particles and primarily scatters shorter wavelengths of light, Mie Scattering can affect all wavelengths more equally. This means that larger particles, such as dust or water droplets, can scatter light in a way that produces a range of colors and intensities. Understanding Mie Scattering is important in fields like meteorology and optics, as it helps explain various atmospheric phenomena.