Here’s why the sun, the moon have been a different color for some

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GRAFTON, Ohio (WJW) — Did you notice that the sun and moon had unique colors amid hazy skies this summer?

The more dramatic hues of orange for the sun and yellow for the moon are due to the current wildfires in Canada, says WJW meteorologist Alexis Walters.

The sun is particularly affected at sunset when it is lower on the horizon, as light has to pass through more haze caused by smoke from wildfires.

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The smoke ultimately acts as a filter on the shorter wavelengths of light created by the sun, says WKBN meteorologist Paul Wetzl. This only passes longer wavelengths, which are red and orange on the color spectrum.

Sunshine over Grafton, Ohio. Photographer Ron Jantz said the background appeared dark because he adjusted the camera’s aperture to focus only on the true color of the sun as it appeared in the haze on Sunday. (Ron Jantz)

Smoke can have a similar effect on the moon, causing it to appear yellow, orange, or red.

Moon over Grafton, Ohio. (Ron Jantz)

Wildfire can also cause an overall orange glow. In 2020, when San Francisco was blanketed in wildfire smoke, residents woke up to Mars-like skies that seemed almost apocalyptic.

Much of the smoke that hit the Midwest and Northeast was carried away from Canada on north and northeast winds.

“With more humidity, smoke particles can attach to water molecules in the air, making them heavier and slowing their movement. With our lack of humidity, smoke travels easier and farther” , Walters added.

It is also important to note the impact that smoking can have on your health.

The small particles in wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and can affect the heart and lungs, making it harder to breathe. Health officials say it’s important to limit outdoor activities to avoid breathing in the particles.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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