Light scattered (deflected) by local variations in refractive index caused by the presence of dispersed species whose size is comparable to the wavelength of the incident light.

The scattering of solar radiation by (mathematically spherical) particles in the atmosphere which have an approximate size of the wavelength of light, analyzed by Gustav Mie. While Rayleigh scattering explains the blue sky, Mie scattering explains why wet, coastal skies are whiter than dry, mountainous skies.

Scattering of electromagnetic waves by homogeneous spheres of arbitrary size, named after Gustav Mie (1868–1957), whose theory of 1908 explains the process. See Mie theory; compare Rayleigh scattering.