How are Rainbows formed and some interesting facts

Rainbows are a wonderful work of nature. We get to see beautiful colors when a rainbow appears.

But a rainbow is not just about a set of colors we see when it rains.

There’s more to it. Watch the video to know more!

First let’s see how rainbows are formed. It involves two phenomena, refraction and reflection.

When the sunlight enters a rain droplet it is first refracted, and then undergoes an internal reflection and then gets refracted again when it comes out of it.

Since different colors of light refract at different angles, this creates and also since this happens in a collection of numerous rain drops, we get to see a nice band of colors.

But how do we see the full spectrum of colors in a rainbow?

We all know that sunlight is a white light which in turn is made up of a spectrum of colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.

Each of these colors have different wavelengths and they are refracted differently too.

Hence, when the sunlight gets refracted and reflected by the numerous rain droplets, the white light is broken down into the spectrum of colors it is made of.

The refraction angle of all the colors in the band is between 40 and 42 degrees.

The violet color is refracted and reaches our eyes at 40 degrees and the red at 42 degrees.

All the other colors in between are refracted between 40 and 42 degrees.

Right, now here are some interesting facts about rainbows!

Interestingly, the rainbow is a full circle. However we only see a part of it, like an arch because Earth and other objects get in the way and do not let us see the full rainbow.

If you are on an air plane and if you are lucky enough to see a rainbow, you will be able to see it as a full circle.

Another interesting fact about rainbows is that no two people will see the same rainbow.

As I explained before, the formation of a rainbow is caused by the refraction and reflection of light by the numerous rain drops.

The refraction angle is different for the different colors and when refracted by different droplets.

The rainbow as a whole is also seen in different angles by different persons.

Even if you and your friend are standing nearby, both of your eyes are not in the same position in space.

So you both will see a slightly different version of the same rainbow, no matter how similar it may look to you both.

Does it interest you if I say that you can create your own rainbow? Exciting right?

Yes all you need is a fine spray of water with some sunlight and you have your own rainbow.

Just stand by turning your back in the direction of the sun. You can grab a garden hose and spray very fine water droplets. 

That’s it. You will get a rainbow.

One more interesting fact before I wind up. 

We can see more of the rainbow, actually the full semicircle, as the sun gets closer to the horizon. 

Which is why it is most likely that you will capture a beautiful view of a full semicircle just by sunset.

The more the sun is higher in the sky, the chances to see a rainbow diminish too!

I hope you found this video useful! Please share it with your friends so they can find this useful too.