why is morning sunlight “softer” than afternoon light even uf the sun is at the same angle in sky?

Question

Like let’s assume 10am and 6pm are the same relative angles of sun in the sky- why isn’t the lighting identical warmth in photos?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Radiation. Short wave radiation has not yet had a chance to warm up our rock yet in the morning. This is the also the same radiation that will give you a sunburn or a tan. In the evening the short wave radiation has disappated and heated up our rock. We’re left with only long wave radiation. So the sunlight is literally different at sunset.