Definitions for "Rayleigh scattering"
The scattering of solar radiation by (mathematically spherical) particles in the atmosphere which are much smaller than the wavelength of light, analyzed by Lord Rayleigh. Rayleigh scattering explains the blue sky.
Dominant form of light scattering in the upper atmosphere, which produces the blue colour of the sky. It is caused by atmospheric particulates that have very small diameters relative to the wavelength of the light, such as dust particles or atmospheric gases like nitrogen and oxygen.
A form of atmospheric scattering that is caused when radiation interacts with particles whose diameter is much smaller than its wavelength. It therefore affects shorter wavelengths.