The statement that there is no atmosphere around Earth is incorrect. Earth does have an atmosphere, and it plays a crucial role in allowing sunlight to reach the surface. The sun's rays travel through space and encounter Earth's atmosphere, which consists of several layers of gases.
When sunlight reaches the Earth, it interacts with the atmosphere in multiple ways:
Transmission: Some portion of sunlight directly passes through the atmosphere without significant interaction. This portion is known as direct solar radiation.
Scattering: Particles and molecules in the atmosphere scatter sunlight in different directions. The scattering of shorter-wavelength light, such as blue and violet light, is more prominent due to their shorter wavelengths. This scattering is responsible for the blue color of the sky during the daytime.
Absorption: Certain gases in the atmosphere, such as ozone, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, absorb specific wavelengths of sunlight. This absorption can either convert solar energy into heat or be re-emitted in different directions.
Despite scattering and absorption, a significant portion of sunlight manages to reach the Earth's surface. The atmosphere acts as a filter, modifying the composition and intensity of sunlight, but it does not prevent sunlight from reaching the Earth altogether.
It's important to note that different layers of the atmosphere, such as the ozone layer, help protect life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This shielding is crucial for maintaining a habitable environment.