Result: This myth is actually 1/4 true.
The Science: The science behind this myth is quite simple.
Why the Sky is Blue: When the Sun's light enters the atmosphere the longer wavelength colors (red, orange, yellow, green) pass through, however the blue light (short wavelength) is absorbed by the atmosphere and radiated in all different directions. This is called Rayleigh Scattering and why the sky is blue.
Why the Sky is Red: When the sun is lower on the horizon the light from the sun must travel further through the atmosphere causing more of the light to be scattered. Ultimately, causing the long wavelength colors to reach you making the horizon and sun to appear an array or red, orange and yellow. However, if there is a large cloud bank (that could be associated with a storm system), then the brilliant array of colors will not appear at sun rise or sun set, respectively.
Myth Debunked: Now that you understand why the sky changes colors. Also acknowledge that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. The reason why this myth is one quarter true is because if a "Red Sky" at night this means there is not a large cloud bank to the west of the current position at that time. However, there could be a storm coming from the north, south, or east. In conclusion, this myth only rules out an impending storm from the west.
Hope this Brightens your Monday!
Resources:
Atmospheric Physics Class
Photo:
weathersavvy.com
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