Understanding Rainbow Formation and Types

Rainbows are optical phenomena wherein sunlight is refracted, or bent, within raindrops, splitting light into its component colors. This process creates a circular arc in the sky, which becomes visible when the sun shines from behind the observer.

While typically seen as a semi-circle due to the ground's obstruction, a rainbow is actually a full circle. Observers from high altitudes, such as an airplane, can occasionally witness this spectacular, complete circular rainbow.

There are several types of rainbows, including double rainbows, where a second, fainter arc appears above the primary. Supernumerary rainbows display extra bands of color inside the main arc, caused by diffraction of light waves.

A rainbow's colors always appear in a specific order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. This sequence is a result of the different wavelengths of light being refracted at slightly different angles.

Although rain is a common cause, rainbows can also form around fog, mist, spray, and even dew. These conditions cause 'fog bows', 'mist bows', and 'dew bows', each with their own unique visibility and color intensity.

Across various cultures, rainbows have been seen as bridges to the heavens, divine messages, or omens. Their ephemeral beauty has made them symbols of hope, renewal, and the connection between earthly and supernatural realms.

The angle of a rainbow is about 42 degrees relative to the angle of the sun's light. This means the center of the rainbow's circle is at an angle opposite the sun, about 42 degrees below the horizon.