Why can you look at a sunrise or sunset for an extended period but can’t look at the sun in the middle of the sky for now than a second?

Question

Why can you look at a sunrise or sunset for an extended period but can’t look at the sun in the middle of the sky for now than a second?

In: 15

Answer 1

The atmosphere is curved, and also not transparent

When the sun is directly above you, the amount of atmosphere between you and the sun is at its thinnest. Therefore, alot of the sun’s light is allowed through.

As the sun set, the amount of atmosphere you are looking through becomes thicker and thicker, blocking more light, and allowing you to stare at the sun.