The rainbow is among the more captivating incredible, and captivating phenomena that can be observed in nature. No matter what age, it’s difficult to gaze at a rainbow without feeling the sense of awe and wonder that you feel when you see something truly extraordinary.
Rainbows have been regarded as an excellent sign of luck for thousands of years. While it’s not wrong to hope for luck when you see the appearance of a rainbow, there’s a certain science behind rainbows worth looking into, too!
Here, you’ll find eight incredible facts about rainbows, which we hope you find as fascinating as we did!
Table of Contents
1. It Is Impossible To Reach The Final Point Of a Rainbow
If you’re one of those who is always looking for a pot of gold when you see a rainbow, we’ll make it easier for you. You will never finish the rainbow! Because a rainbow’s shape is based on the direction of the person who is watching (you) in addition to the source of light (the sun), When you move your body, the rainbow moves as well.
2. It Is Possible To See A Circular Rainbow In The Sky
When you’re standing at ground level, you’ll only see the traditional semi-circular rainbow (hence the word “bow”). If you’re on an airplane and looking at the ground below, you will observe a real rainbow in an entire circle! If the weather conditions are perfect, it’s a must.
3. You’re less Likely To Be Able To See a Rainbow During The Wintertime.
It is more difficult to be able to see a rainbow during winter. But why is that? Because of the snow! Rainbows are the results of sunlight moving through a spectrum. Typically, it is a collection of raindrops, and, as such, the light is broken up and refracted into distinct shades.
In winter, the high temperatures decrease to the point of freezing, causing raindrops to turn to snow. This prevents light from entering the drops (or, in the case of the snowflake) and blocks the appearance of a rainbow.
4. Double Rainbows Appear When Light Is Reflected Twice Within Raindrops
Have you ever witnessed the double rainbow? Double rainbows occur when light is reflected twice within the raindrop. As a result, it is possible to observe two distinct reflections that originate from two distinct perspectives.
When you next witness this amazing event for yourself, be aware of this important fact regarding double rainbows. The second rainbow – which is slightly larger and less vibrant than the first rainbow, will have the colors reversed. Instead of the traditional “Roy G. Biv” (for red-orange, yellow, blue, green, indigo violet), it will show the color is Vib G. Yor!
5. Earth Is The One Planet That Has Rainbows
It’s true that Jupiter is constantly battling gas storms, and Mars might even contain freezing liquid however, Earth is the sole planet in the solar system that is capable of producing rainbows as it appears. It’s since Earth is the sole planet to have continuous liquid precipitation, as well as direct sunlight.
On Titan, the Saturn moon Titan Scientists believe there could be methane-rich rainstorms in the form of liquids; however, it’s so dim that it’s not likely enough light is passing through the methane droplets to produce the appearance of a rainbow.
Another fun fact is that in the vicinity of Saturn itself, around 1000 tons of diamonds fall off the skies each year!
6. The Greeks, As Well As The Romans, Believed That Rainbows Were An Omen From The Gods
In earlier times the past, the past, Greek goddess Iris (Arcus in the eyes of her Romans) was portrayed as the rainbow. There were many artworks depicting her in a shape of a rainbow.
In Greek mythology, Iris was the feminine version of Hermes, the messenger god Hermes used her pitcher to collect water and release it into the sky in order to create the rainbow. The rainbow later became the bridge connecting Mount Olympus, where the gods and goddesses resided, and the Earth.
Of course, in the years since, the science of rainbows has advanced – we now recognize that a rainbow isn’t an interlude between Earth and heaven! However, it does make an interesting story.
7. The longest-Watched Rainbow Lasted More Than 9 Hours
The average rainbow can be observed for just under an hour. However, in 2017 students and faculty members of Chinese Culture University, located high in the mountains of Taipei, Taiwan, observed the rainbow for eight hours and 58 mins, from 6:57 am to 3:55 after 3:55 pm.
Prior to this incident, the longest-lasting rainbow was observed in Sheffield, England, in 1994. This rainbow, as reported in the Guinness Book of World Records, ran from approximately 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
8. There Are No Two People Who See The Exact Same Rainbow
If you and your friend are sitting beside one another, looking at the same rainbow, you do not see the same rainbow! It’s because a rainbow is no physical presence. A rainbow is a purely optical phenomenon, and the way it appears, as well as its exact shape, radius, and width that its colors are, will differ dependent on the vision of the observer.
There’s a further incredible fact about rainbows that we can add to the list: each rainbow is individual to you.
