7 types of rainbows: Nature's mesmerizing optical phenomena

iStock [{ "selector": ".pauxr-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }]

A primary rainbow is the most common type of rainbow produced by the sun. It occurs when light is refracted or bent as it passes through water droplets in the atmosphere.

A double rainbow is when two separate, concentric rainbows appear parallel to one another.

Unlike double rainbows, rainbow arcs appear to split from a single base.

Wikimedia Commons [{ "selector": ".qcpxp-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

Dr. Jenna Crowe-Riddell

iStock [{ "selector": ".eknns-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".zngsx-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

Fogbow is formed when sunlight passes through the water droplets that make up mist and fog.

iStock [{ "selector": ".fukaj-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

The only type of rainbow covered here that is not multicolored is a monochrome or red rainbow.

Wikimedia Commons [{ "selector": ".kmjqj-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

Some rainbows even appear upside down. For instance, a circumzenithal arc, is created when sunlight passes through ice crystals in high-level cirrus clouds.

solarseven/iStock Wikimedia Commons [{ "selector": ".kaugf-a", "duration": "250ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn More

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST ENGINEERING NEWS

[{ "selector": ".gmcjx-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".czrrl-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }, { "selector": ".qzfka-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "2000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": "1"} ] }] Learn more

7 types of rainbows: Nature's mesmerizing optical phenomena

BY SADE AGARD

SCIENCE

A primary rainbow is the most common type of rainbow produced by the sun. It occurs when light is refracted or bent as it passes through water droplets in the atmosphere.

SCIENCE

A double rainbow is when two separate, concentric rainbows appear parallel to one another.

SCIENCE

Unlike double rainbows, rainbow arcs appear to split from a single base.

SCIENCE

Dr. Jenna Crowe-Riddell

Moonbow occurs when light from the Moon is refracted or bent as it passes through water droplets in the atmosphere.

SCIENCE

Fogbow is formed when sunlight passes through the water droplets that make up mist and fog.

SCIENCE

The only type of rainbow covered here that is not multicolored is a monochrome or red rainbow.

SCIENCE

Some rainbows even appear upside down. For instance, a circumzenithal arc, is created when sunlight passes through ice crystals in high-level cirrus clouds.

SCIENCE

More in the article.

SCIENCE

STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST ENGINEERING NEWS

SWIPE UP TO GET STARTED