Alesund Rainbow Patch

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Alesund Rainbow Patch: A Puzzling Optical Phenomenon

Rainbows have long captivated our imagination with their vibrant colors and ethereal beauty. They are a result of the interaction between sunlight and water droplets in the atmosphere, creating a stunning display of light and color. One particularly intriguing example of this phenomenon is the Alesund Rainbow Patch, captured in a photograph by Patricia Hamilton on July 15th, 2008, in Alesund, Norway.

In the photograph, the rainbow fragment appears remarkably close to the horizon, sparking curiosity and wonder. To understand why this is the case, we need to delve into the science behind rainbows and their formation.

The center of a rainbow is always directly opposite the sun. Therefore, when the sun is high in the sky, the rainbow appears lower on the horizon. In the case of the Alesund Rainbow Patch, the sun was positioned at an angle of 40° above the horizon when the photograph was taken. This means that the center of the rainbow was located 40° below the horizon in the opposite direction.

The primary bow, which is the most common and recognizable form of a rainbow, has a radius of approximately 42°. Consequently, with the center of the bow positioned 40° below the horizon, the tip of the rainbow in the Alesund Rainbow Patch was just 2° above the horizon.

This unusual positioning of the rainbow fragment near the horizon adds to its mystique and visual appeal. It creates a captivating juxtaposition between the natural beauty of the rainbow and the earthly landscape.

Rainbows are formed when sunlight enters water droplets in the atmosphere and undergoes a process known as refraction. This causes the light to bend as it passes from one medium (air) to another (water). The bending of light separates it into its component colors, resulting in the familiar spectrum of colors seen in a rainbow.

The size and intensity of a rainbow can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the water droplets and the angle at which sunlight enters them. In the case of the Alesund Rainbow Patch, the presence of smaller water droplets in the air may have contributed to the fragmentary appearance of the rainbow.

It is important to note that the Alesund Rainbow Patch is just one example of the many fascinating optical phenomena that can occur in the atmosphere. From double rainbows to halos and sundogs, our atmosphere never ceases to surprise and delight us with its ability to create stunning visual displays.

In conclusion, the Alesund Rainbow Patch is a mesmerizing example of a rainbow fragment appearing unusually close to the horizon. Its positioning, just 2° above the horizon, adds an element of intrigue to this already captivating optical phenomenon. By understanding the science behind rainbows and their formation, we can appreciate the beauty and complexity of these natural wonders that continue to amaze us.

Rainbow at Alesund, Norway imaged by Patricia Hamilton on 15th July '08.

Image ©Patricia Hamilton, shown with permission.

This rainbow fragment appears puzzlingly close to the horizon.

The centre of a rainbow is always directly opposite the sun. Therefore, high suns make low rainbows.

When this bow was seen the sun was 40° high placing the centre of any bow 40° below the horizon in the opposite direction. Since the primary bow's radius is about 42° that puts the bow's tip just 2° above the horizon.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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