Answer · confidence: partial
What is the bull's-eye effect, and how does tilted light prove it's a wave?
Research question: What is the 'Bull's-eye' effect, and how does the polarization of scattered light provide evidence for the wave nature of light?
The provided records do not define the 'Bull's-eye' effect, but they explain that the polarization of the sky is caused by Rayleigh scattering of light by air molecules, water, dust, and aerosols 2. This scattering results in light at a 90-degree angle from the source being highly polarized, reaching near 80% in a circular band around the Sun 1. The maximum degree of polarization occurs in this circular band located 90 degrees away from the Sun 3. When the Sun is at the zenith, this band of maximal polarization wraps around the horizon with light polarized horizontally 4.
Checked 2026-10-15. Only documented and supported facts are used.
Dig deeper on this questionSources
[1] supported
Light scattered at a 90-degree angle from the light source is highly polarized, reaching degrees of polarization near 80% in a circular band around the Sun.
"While all scattered light is polarized to some extent, light is highly polarized at a scattering angle of 90° from the light source. ... In this band, degrees of polarization near 80% are typically reached."Rayleigh sky model - Wikipedia
[2] supported
The polarization of the sky is caused by Rayleigh scattering of light by air molecules, water, dust, and aerosols.
"Within the atmosphere, Rayleigh scattering of light by air molecules , water, dust, and aerosols causes the sky's light to have a defined polarization pattern."Rayleigh sky model - Wikipedia
[3] supported
The maximum degree of polarization occurs in a circular band located 90 degrees away from the Sun.
"Thus, the maximum degree of polarization occurs in a circular band 90° from the Sun."Rayleigh sky model - Wikipedia
[4] supported
When the Sun is at the zenith, the band of maximal polarization wraps around the horizon, with light polarized horizontally along the horizon.
"When the Sun is located at the zenith , the band of maximal polarization wraps around the horizon . Light from the sky is polarized horizontally along the horizon."Rayleigh sky model - Wikipedia
[5] supported
The Moon creates the same polarization pattern as the Sun, allowing it to be used for navigation at night, though the degree of polarization is weaker.
"The Moon creates the same polarization pattern. Thus it is possible to use the polarization patterns as a tool for navigation at night. The only difference is that the degree of polarization is not quite as strong."Rayleigh sky model - Wikipedia