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What creates the silver lining around clouds? "Every cloud has a silver lining." is a common proverb, but what actually causes the edges of the clouds to shine (the silver lining bit)? Thanks, Lana
(no votes)

Asked by Lana
on 2011-02-20 19:17:50

Member status
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Categories: Planet Earth.

Tags: cloud, silverlining.

3 answer(s)

Reply	petethebloke says: Clouds are 3-dimensional so the edges are the thinnest parts when you look at them. This means that the light from the sun can shine through the cloud most strongly at the edge and the edges therefore look illuminated. (1 vote) average rating:5 Tags: cloud, silverlining.
	posted on 2011-02-21 11:42:54 \| Report abuse

Reply	Paul_Pedant says: Speaking as a Pessimist as well as a Pedant, I can assure you that: "Every silver lining has a cloud." (no votes) Tags: cloud, silverlining.
	posted on 2011-02-21 15:03:49 \| Report abuse

Reply	Paul_Pedant says: It is due to the unique refractive characteristics of rose-tinted glasses. (no votes) Tags: cloud, silverlining.
	posted on 2011-02-25 15:22:23 \| Report abuse

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