Key Information
Rainbows
| Type | Optical phenomenon caused by refraction, internal reflection and dispersion of light in water droplets |
| Area | Worldwide |
| Season | All year round |
| Effect | An indicator of water or ice in the atmosphere |
| Forms | Rainbow, Double rainbow, Twinned rainbow, Moonbow, Fog bow, Monochrome rainbow |
Learning Point
- Rainbows are natural phenomena caused by the refraction and dispersion of sunlight by water droplets in the atmosphere. When sunlight passes through a raindrop, it is refracted, or bent, and then dispersed into its component colors. This creates a spectrum of colors, arranged in a curved band, known as a rainbow. Rainbows are often seen after rain showers, when the atmosphere is filled with water droplets. They are a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight, symbolizing hope and promise.
Project
- Draw a rainbow over your house.
- Overview
- Up Close
Location
| Located in | Worldwide |
Fun Facts
- Sunlight is made up of many different colors, and when it hits raindrops, it bends and spreads out into a rainbow.
- Rainbows are optical illusions, so you can never reach the end of one.
- Sometimes, you can see a second rainbow outside of the first one.
- They can be seen anywhere in the world and anywhere there is rain and sunlight.
Past Lessons
| 133 | October 14, 2024 | (North America) |