Why Martian Sunsets are Blue

In continuing celebration of Independence Day, here is a video of a Martian sunset taken by the Mars Rover Opportunity.



Here is an article about why Martian sunsets are blue (and why Earth sunsets are red).  I am so pleased to be alive during an era when we can watch video of a Martian sunset.  It is interesting to think about what that would do to the lighting in landscape paintings on Mars.

Jacob Collins: Rediscovering the American Landscape, The Eastholm Project

I just received this book as a present.  It is an overview of a major commission that Jacob Collins received for The Hen Islands from Eastholm.  Mr. Collins' website is here.  The brochure has some fascinating looks at his process of studies for the final painting and how it developed.  I found his sketches on the perspective of waves to be particularly useful for my students.