Question

λ_max, the wavelength corresponding to maximum intensity for the sun is in the blue-green region. of visible spectrum. Why does the Sun then appear yellow to us?

Answer 1

1. Although the Sun emits maximum intensity in the blue-green region, it emits light over the entire visible spectrum.
2. While sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, shorter wavelengths such as blue and violet are scattered more strongly. The direct sunlight reaching our eyes therefore contains relatively more red, orange and yellow light.

Hence, the Sun generally appears yellowish to us.