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Red sky at night.......

Posted by Barney on July 21, 2000

In Reply to: Red sky at night....... posted by Bob on July 21, 2000

: : Anyone know the meaning/origin or variations of this phrase, I have heard it applied variously to shepherds and sailors

: Red sky at night, sailors' delight.
: Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.

: No idea of origin, I'm just remembering the rhyme from childhood.

The red sky in each case if caused by the sun striking particles of dust in the atmosphere and, with the suns at a low angle, it's (poetically) peering through this dust. Rain, and other atmospherical effects clears a proportion, more rain clears more hence; we get mornings and evenings less the rosy glow.

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