Tell me about wierd lighting from the sun

Some nights for about 30 minutes before the sun goes down behind the horizon everything is bathed in an orange/pinky/sepia (tone?)color. Does anyone know what the heck im talking about or what causes it to happen?

Well of course! I love the pinkish red sky ensuing a sun set.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WikiAnswers

As the sun begins to set, the light must travel farther through the atmosphere before it gets to you. More of the light is reflected and scattered. As less reaches you directly, the sun appears less bright. The color of the sun itself appears to change, first to orange and then to red. This is because even more of the short wavelength blues and greens are now scattered. Only the longer wavelengths are left in the direct beam that reaches your eyes.

The sky around the setting sun may take on many colors. The most spectacular shows occur when the air contains many small particles of dust or water. These particles reflect light in all directions. Then, as some of the light heads towards you, different amounts of the shorter wavelength colors are scattered out. You see the longer wavelengths, and the sky appears red, pink or orange.

WHY IS THE SUNSET RED?

As the sun begins to set, the light must travel farther through the atmosphere before it gets to you. More of the light is reflected and scattered. As less reaches you directly, the sun appears less bright. The color of the sun itself appears to change, first to orange and then to red. This is because even more of the short wavelength blues and greens are now scattered. Only the longer wavelengths are left in the direct beam that reaches your eyes.

The sky around the setting sun may take on many colors. The most spectacular shows occur when the air contains many small particles of dust or water. These particles reflect light in all directions. Then, as some of the light heads towards you, different amounts of the shorter wavelength colors are scattered out. You see the longer wavelengths, and the sky appears red, pink or orange.

The original answer

Couldn't have asked for a clearer answer. I suppose the land being turned orange as well just depends on how/where that red light is reflected. Cheers Noogah :D

Wow, I've never actually thought about it.

That's cool.

Pollution helps, too...:P