Czech Republic 4rd & 4th Order Rainbows - OPOD

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Czech Republic 4rd & 4th Order Rainbows - OPOD

Rainbows are a fascinating natural phenomenon that never fail to captivate our attention. Most of us are familiar with the classic rainbow, but did you know that there are higher-order rainbows as well? Zbyněk Černoch, an avid photographer, captured the elusive 3rd and 4th order rainbows in the Czech Republic on August 18, 2014. These rare atmospheric optics phenomena provide a unique and mesmerizing spectacle for those lucky enough to witness them.

What are 3rd and 4th Order Rainbows?

Rainbows are formed when sunlight is refracted, or bent, by water droplets in the air. The light is then reflected inside the droplets and exits at different angles, creating the beautiful spectrum of colors we see. While the primary rainbow consists of light being refracted once inside the water droplets, higher-order rainbows occur when the light is refracted multiple times.

The 3rd order rainbow captured by Zbyněk Černoch is a result of light being refracted three times inside the water droplets. This creates a secondary, fainter rainbow above the primary one. The 4th order rainbow, which Zbyněk also managed to photograph, is even rarer and fainter than the 3rd order rainbow. It occurs when the light is refracted four times within the water droplets, resulting in an ethereal and delicate display of colors.

Zbyněk Černoch's Spectacular Images

Zbyněk Černoch's photographs of the 3rd and 4th order rainbows offer a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of these atmospheric optical phenomena. The images were taken from Vetrkovice, Czech Republic, where Zbyněk was fortunate enough to witness not only one, but two occurrences of these higher-order rainbows.

In one of the images, Zbyněk enhances the 3rd order rainbow to make it more visible. The rainbow appears as a faint arc on the right side of the photograph, adding an enchanting element to the overall composition. In another image, Zbyněk captures the 3rd order rainbow against a dark cloud backdrop, which enhances its visibility. The image showcases the trace of an iridescent cloud at the top right, further accentuating the ethereal nature of these atmospheric phenomena.

The Science Behind the Phenomenon

To understand the formation of higher-order rainbows, we must delve into the science behind it. When sunlight enters a water droplet, it undergoes a process known as dispersion. This means that the different colors of light are refracted at slightly different angles, resulting in the separation of colors we see in a rainbow. The primary rainbow consists of red on the outer edge and violet on the inner edge.

In higher-order rainbows, the light undergoes additional refractions within the water droplets, causing further separation of colors. This results in fainter and more intricate rainbows above and below the primary one. The 3rd order rainbow appears above the primary rainbow, while the 4th order rainbow is even fainter and located above the 3rd order rainbow.

Atmospheric Conditions for Higher-Order Rainbows

Higher-order rainbows are rare because they require specific atmospheric conditions to form. The size and shape of water droplets play a crucial role in determining whether these rainbows will be visible. The droplets must be small and nearly spherical for the higher-order rainbows to occur.

Furthermore, a dark cloud backdrop, as seen in Zbyněk Černoch's photographs, can enhance the visibility of higher-order rainbows. The contrast between the dark cloud and the delicate colors of the rainbow creates a visually stunning effect.

Conclusion

Zbyněk Černoch's remarkable photographs of the 3rd and 4th order rainbows in the Czech Republic offer a rare glimpse into the enchanting world of atmospheric optics. These higher-order rainbows, formed by multiple refractions of light within water droplets, create a delicate and ethereal display of colors. While these phenomena are relatively rare, they serve as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of our natural world. So, keep your eyes peeled for the next opportunity to witness these captivating rainbows in all their glory.

3rd & 4th Order Bows

Zbyněk Černoch captured sunward high order rainbows on August 18, 2014 from Vetrkovice, Czech Republic. He saw another pair a few days later (OPOD to come).

This is an enhanced image by Zbyněk showing the 3rd order at centre right.

Mouse over the image for an alternative colour subtraction enhancement direct from the camera RAW file showing a possible 4th order rainbow.

©Zbyněk Černoch, shown with permission

Another image showing the 3rd order bow.

The dark cloud backdrop has helped visibility.

Processed from the original RAW file by noise reduction, curves adjustment followed by saturation increase.

Note the processing effect on the trace of iridescent cloud at top right.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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