# Why Does Wildfire Smoke Turn the Sky Orange?

The effects of light scattering in the atmosphere

- **Source:** [NYT > Science](https://brifing.si/source/794f9fbd-c10f-44d6-932d-9039af67922c)
- **Published:** 2026-07-16
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/16/weather/smoke-sky-orange-red.html>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/79121c55-9eda-411d-a773-d57aa1a57407

## Introduction

Wildfire smoke turns the sky orange because of light scattering in the atmosphere. This phenomenon is particularly observable during large wildfires.

## Light Scattering

When light collides with particles in the atmosphere, it scatters. Small particles in wildfire smoke scatter short-wavelength blue light and allow long-wavelength orange light to pass through.

## Color Change

When blue light is scattered, the sky appears orange or red. This creates a similar effect to a sunset, but wildfire smoke makes it more pronounced.

## Wavelength Effect

The wavelength of light plays a critical role in the scattering process. Short-wavelength light scatters more, while long-wavelength light is less affected, leading to the dominance of orange color.

## Atmospheric Conditions

Humidity and particle density in the atmosphere affect light scattering. Wildfire smoke alters these conditions, dramatically changing the sky's color.

## Conclusion

The orange sky caused by wildfire smoke is a natural result of light scattering in the atmosphere. This event offers both a scientific and visual spectacle.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/16/weather/smoke-sky-orange-red.html — 

---

_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._