Is the sky blue because of the ocean?

It is one of the first questions children often ask when it comes to anything weather related. Why is the sky blue?

If you were asked this, a few things may come to mind. One myth says that it is because the oceans are blue, and sunlight reflects off of the surface water casting a blue glow above.

Another common myth is that the sky is blue because of all the raindrops which are yet to fall to Earth. Greek mythology tells us that it is blue because Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, daughter of Zeus, asked her father to make it so her face could be seen by the entire world all year. At which point he turned the sky blue to match her eyes.

In actual fact, it is all to do with how the Sun's light is scattered as it hits Earth's atmosphere. Learn more on how this happens with our Weather Explained video.