Red Sky At Night ~ Sailors Delight

@CarolDM (203452)

Nashville, Tennessee

January 11, 2023 4:25pm CST

Have always heard this rhyme many times... “Red sky at night, sailors’ delight. Red sky at morning sailors takes warning.” It’s an ancient rhyme that has been around for at least 2,000 years, it’s even mentioned in the bible. But does this ancient rhyme have scientific validity? The answer is yes, it does. Large storm systems tend to move west to east, with a few exceptions of course. Before modern day forecasting, this rhyme was a helpful way for sailors to predict the weather. At sunset, if you see red skies, it means that the sunlight has a clear path in from the west. This typically means that clear skies and quiet weather are on the way. Either way, I enjoy the glow from a red sunset every chance I get. I could see the glow from inside my home. I grabbed my camera and went out to my deck and snapped several photos yesterday. Photo is mine. Snapped from my deck yesterday.

35 people like this

32 responses

@RasmaSandra (73444)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

11 Jan 23

That is a lovely sky. I have heard when the sky is red the next day will be a nice and sunny one, We often had such sunsets in Latvia in the wintertime after a gray and colorless day,

6 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

11 Jan 23

Thanks. Well, it didn't happen. We were cloudy all day today. But I enjoyed the red glow. Beautiful photo there.

3 people like this

@RasmaSandra (73444)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

11 Jan 23

@CarolDM that was taken from the second floor of the house looking out into the garden

4 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

11 Jan 23

@RasmaSandra Very nice view.

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@DaddyEvil (137142)

• United States

11 Jan 23

Your photo is beautiful!

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@DaddyEvil (137142)

• United States

11 Jan 23

@CarolDM You're welcome.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

11 Jan 23

Thank you so much. I love seeing this red glow.

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@Juliaacv (48442)

• Canada

11 Jan 23

So pretty, love the colours in the picture of the sunset.

3 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

11 Jan 23

Thank you. I was amazed at how I could see this one inside before walking outside yesterday.

3 people like this

@LadyDuck (458107)

• Switzerland

12 Jan 23

Beautiful sky. We have a saying in Italy "rosso di sera bel tempo si spera" that more or less says that "red sky in the evening will bring nice weather".

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@LadyDuck (458107)

• Switzerland

13 Jan 23

@CarolDM Cloudy today and the cold is here.

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@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

Thank you. Thunderstorms earlier. Sunshine and cloudy now.

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@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

13 Jan 23

@LadyDuck Snow showers here, tiny flakes are falling.

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@JudyEv (325793)

• Rockingham, Australia

12 Jan 23

I know a similar saying but it's more to do with farming: 'Red sky at night, shepherd's delight; red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning'. That's a great photo you've snapped. I love seeing the sunset through bare branches.

3 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

I have heard that saying as well. Thanks, the pinks and reds were all around. The winter sunsets are my favorite.

1 person likes this

@RubyHawk (99425)

• Atlanta, Georgia

12 Jan 23

It's a beautiful skyscape. I love red sunsets, but I can't see them from my apartment. I'd have to walk up the hill to the road.

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@RubyHawk (99425)

• Atlanta, Georgia

13 Jan 23

@CarolDM They are beautiful.

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@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

13 Jan 23

@RubyHawk Thank you. I agree.

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@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

13 Jan 23

Thank you. I enjoy them as well.

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@ptrikha_2 (45472)

• India

12 Jan 23

That is a really nice photograph. Somehow it is calming although red color is not always connected with calmness. Plus it gives a philosophical overtone as well.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

I think all colors of the sunset are stunning. Thanks.

2 people like this

@much2say (53958)

• Los Angeles, California

12 Jan 23

So beautiful - red skies are quite striking - what a view

!

2 people like this

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@much2say (53958)

• Los Angeles, California

12 Jan 23

@CarolDM When I see the red/orange glow, I think of popsicles . . . though who wants to think of popsicles in winter

.

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@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

Thanks. I really enjoy the winter sunsets.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

@much2say I actually enjoy ice cream in the winter.

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@rebelann (111178)

• El Paso, Texas

11 Jan 23

Beautiful sunset. Sometimes we get the red sunsets here too but I don't have a clear view for a good shot.

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@rebelann (111178)

• El Paso, Texas

12 Jan 23

Hopefully that won't happen

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

11 Jan 23

Thank you. I love the winter sunsets. I have, so far, a clear view. As long as no other homes are built.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

@rebelann Fingers crossed.

1 person likes this

@GreatMartin (23676)

• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

12 Jan 23

I never know which I love better---sunset or sunrise!!

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

They often look very similar.

1 person likes this

@Deepizzaguy (94552)

• Lake Charles, Louisiana

11 Jan 23

The image of the red sky in this post looks wonderful.

2 people like this

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@Deepizzaguy (94552)

• Lake Charles, Louisiana

12 Jan 23

@CarolDM You are welcome.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

Much appreciated. It was amazing to witness.

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@Dena91 (15860)

• United States

13 Jan 23

I have always heard that saying about red skies. Here's a picture from Wednesday's sunrise. Your picture is beautiful

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

13 Jan 23

How pretty Dena. We had rain yesterday, no sunset. Love the pinks and red.

1 person likes this

@kobesbuddy (74571)

• East Tawas, Michigan

11 Jan 23

OH Carol, is that ever a lovely photo, a very beautiful shot! Good job:)

2 people like this

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@kobesbuddy (74571)

• East Tawas, Michigan

12 Jan 23

@CarolDM Thanks Carol, you get a good night's sleep:)

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@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

11 Jan 23

Thanks so much. The glow could be seen from inside the house. Nature is amazing.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

Have a good evening Kharla.

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@Kandae11 (53679)

•

12 Jan 23

Beautiful photo! I have heard that it is also a shepherd's delight.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

Thanks I have heard this all my life.

1 person likes this

@popciclecold (35103)

• United States

11 Jan 23

You barely see skies like that. Your capture good job m

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

11 Jan 23

I am so happy when I witness this one. Thanks.

2 people like this

@shaggin (71666)

• United States

12 Jan 23

It does seem like the rhyme usually proves to be true. I say it every time I see a gorgeous sunset.

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

I have heard it too many times for it not to be somewhat true. I love the pinks and reds.

1 person likes this

@FourWalls (62147)

• United States

11 Jan 23

It stayed light past 6 PM here, and that’s this sailor’s delight!

Absolutely beautiful sunset!!!

2 people like this

@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

11 Jan 23

I agree, every day the sunset gets later and later. Thank you.

2 people like this

@Hannihar (129470)

• Israel

12 Jan 23

@CarolDM I like the picture you put here and the rhyme you put here and all the information you gave us. I hae never heard the rhyme but thank you for it.

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@Hannihar (129470)

• Israel

13 Jan 23

@CarolDM That is sweet and thank you that you appreciate me.

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@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

12 Jan 23

You are very welcome and I appreciate you.

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@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

13 Jan 23

@Hannihar Always.

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@Shivram59 (31775)

• India

13 Jan 23

@CarolDM I have seen red sky only at the time of sunrise and sunset.I everyday enjoy it.

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@Shivram59 (31775)

• India

13 Jan 23

@CarolDM Get up early before dawn and enjoy the red;charming eastern sky.

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@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

13 Jan 23

@Shivram59 I am up early but too many houses and rooftops to get a clear view of the sunrise.

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@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

13 Jan 23

I only see this at sunset and enjoy it each time.

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@porwest (78761)

• United States

18 Jan 23

Yep. Being ex-Navy I am all too familiar with this, although I did not know it has been around for as long as it has. But I agree with the validity of it, just never knew the science behind it. But it always seems to ring true.

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@porwest (78761)

• United States

19 Jan 23

@CarolDM Yeah, they're pretty.

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@CarolDM (203452)

• Nashville, Tennessee

18 Jan 23

I am sure you know this one well. It is usually true. I really enjoy these colors in a sunset.

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