English
English
English
Scientists Decode Sunlight, Rainbows and Blue Skies at IDL 2026 Workshop in Delhi
New Delhi: Why is the sky blue? Why do rainbows occur? How is it possible that sunlight is white even though it consists of many colors? Such intriguing and common queries dominated the scene when scientists, educators, and students came together to celebrate the UNESCO International Day of Light (IDL) 2026 at the India International Centre (IIC).
The workshop, titled “Fascinating Light and Color Phenomena in Nature,” was jointly organized by the Zaheer Science Foundation in partnership with the India International Centre, in association with Shanti Foundation International and vsworld.com.
The opening ceremony included a welcome note delivered by K.N. Shrivastava, Director of the India International Centre, after which Dr. Tabassum Jamal, Chairperson of Zaheer Science Foundation, gave some opening remarks. Prof. Zahid Husain Khan, along with four other scientists, spoke about their research on the fascinating theory of light and color phenomena in nature, commemorating the International Day of Light 2026 in India.
Speaking to Dynamite News, Dr. Jamal said that the programme has been organised with the aim of taking science beyond laboratories and making it accessible to young minds, inspiring curiosity and encouraging the next generation of learners.
"Scientific research has its greatest impact when it reaches society. Through this workshop, we are simplifying complex concepts of light and photonics so that students, educators and the general public can understand their relevance in everyday life. We aim to spark curiosity, promote scientific temper and encourage the next generation to embrace science," she noted.
The keynote speech was presented via a video message from Prof. John M. Dudley, who is an internationally recognized expert in photonics, Professor at Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, France, and Chair of the International Day of Light 2026 Steering Committee.
In his inspiring speech regarding the significance of photonics, Dudley said, "Light is central to both life and society."
He added that light keeps life sustained through photosynthesis, whereas photonics forms the basis of technologies that have made our lives in this world. He pointed out that fiber optics, lasers, medical imaging, and advanced manufacturing are some of the examples that show how important photonics is as an enabling technology for the advancement of science.
The most fascinating session at the workshop was when Prof. Zahid Husain Khan discussed the "Mystery of the Three Blues," wherein he discussed the reason for the three phenomena of nature appearing blue, even though each had a different scientific reason.
Prof. Khan mentioned that the color of the sky is because of Rayleigh Scattering, whereby the short wavelength of blue light is scattered more easily than the longer wavelength of red light when sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere.
He pointed out that the sea appears blue due to a different principle. Longer wavelengths, like those of red, orange, and yellow are absorbed by water more easily than shorter ones. This leaves only blue light scattered back to the observer. While reflection of the blue sky enhances the color of the calm sea water, it is not the main reason for its blueness.
Regarding the third blue, Prof. Khan said that distant mountains look bluish owing to atmospheric perspective. Small particles of dust and water vapor in the atmosphere cause the scattering of blue light between the observer and the distant mountains. This effect makes distant mountains appear bluish.
"The sky, the sea, and distant mountains are all blue in color, but each of them has a different scientific story to tell. These phenomena show how interesting light interaction with nature can be," Prof. Zahid Husain Khan explained.
While speaking to Dynamite News, Prof. Zahid Husain Khan said, "As he is from Uttar Pradesh and his hometown is near the border, from where the mountains are visible, these colours of nature have always fascinated him and raised questions in his mind and that led him to search for answers. The curiosity also made him choose this topic for the event."
While delivering his presentation titled "Light and Color of Celestial Objects and Some Interesting Atmospheric Phenomena in the Earth's Atmosphere," Dr. Nakul Parashar of Shanti Foundation International clarified how sunlight reacts with the particles present in the atmosphere to produce some interesting phenomena.
"The blue color of the sky, red color at sunset, and rainbows are all examples of how sunlight interacts with molecules and particles present in the Earth's atmosphere. All these are amazing and also have an explanation through basic optical science," he explained.
When questioned by Dynamite News about the most interesting phenomena related to atmospheric lights, Dr. Parashar said nature provides us with the best laboratory for this.
"Each sunrise, each rainbow, and each change in the color of the sky is a story written by nature," he said.
As the workshop concluded, speakers called for greater public engagement with science and encouraged students to pursue research in optics, photonics and related disciplines.
From explaining why the sky is blue to showcasing the role of photonics in transforming healthcare and communication, the event reflected UNESCO's vision of making science accessible to everyone.
Organised by the Zaheer Science Foundation, the workshop reinforced that understanding light is not only about appreciating nature's beauty but also about unlocking technologies that shape the future.
