Why are some clouds dark?
Some clouds look dark because they're so thick, sunlight can't shine through.
Pip’s answer
- Some clouds look dark because they're so thick, sunlight can't shine through.
- A white cloud is thinner, so lots of sunlight shines through and lights it up.
- Dark clouds are packed full of water drops, often ready to rain. Drip drop!
- Ooh, the top of that same dark cloud is bright white in sunshine!
For grown-ups
Clouds are made of water droplets that scatter light. Thin clouds let plenty of light through and look white. Thick, dense clouds full of large droplets scatter and absorb so much light that little gets through to the bottom, making them look grey or dark, often a sign rain is coming.
Ask your child: Do dark clouds or white clouds usually bring rain?
More questions kids ask
- 🌧️Why does it rain?
- ⚡Why is there thunder?
- 🌫️Why is there fog?
- 🌤️Why is the sky blue?
- 🌅Why are sunsets orange?
- 🌈Why are there rainbows?
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