Moonbow and Reflection bow, Yosemite Fall

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Moonbow and Reflection Bow: A Captivating Natural Phenomenon at Yosemite Fall

Have you ever witnessed the enchanting beauty of a moonbow? Imagine standing in awe as a rainbow forms in the spray of Yosemite Fall, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. This captivating natural phenomenon, known as a moonbow, is a rare sight that requires precise calculation, timing, and camera positioning to capture its ethereal beauty.

To create a moonbow at Yosemite Fall, several key elements must align perfectly. First and foremost, a dark sky is essential to enhance the visibility of the moonbow. Additionally, a bright moon positioned just right is crucial for its formation. These factors combine to create a stunning rainbow within the misty spray of the waterfall.

One vital ingredient for the creation of a moonbow is an ample amount of spray. In 2006, Yosemite National Park experienced an unusually high amount of snowfall, resulting in twice the average snow accumulation in the Sierra Nevada mountains. As a result, the spring runoff was exceptionally high, generating copious amounts of mist at Yosemite Fall. This thick mist plays a critical role in the formation of the moonbow.

Furthermore, the flooded meadow near Yosemite Fall contributes to the magical spectacle. The reflection bow, also known as a reflected bow, is produced by moonlight that first refracts and reflects through tiny spray droplets. These droplets then reflect the light once more as they encounter the flooded meadow, creating a secondary bow that mirrors the primary moonbow.

Capturing the grandeur of this natural phenomenon requires meticulous planning and photography expertise. Brent Gilstrap, an accomplished photographer, managed to immortalize the Moonbow at Yosemite Falls with Reflection in Yosemite Meadow. He employed careful timing and camera positioning to capture three 30-second exposures and a 63-second exposure within a mere five-minute timeframe. Unfortunately, due to size restrictions on web pages, the full impact of Gilstrap's vertical panorama cannot be fully appreciated.

The Moonbow and Reflection Bow at Yosemite Fall exemplify the extraordinary beauty that nature can offer. It serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between light, water, and atmospheric conditions that can create such awe-inspiring spectacles. The rarity of moonbows makes them a coveted sight for both photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, witnessing a moonbow at Yosemite Fall is a truly remarkable experience. The careful alignment of a dark sky, a bright moon, and abundant spray creates a mesmerizing rainbow within the mist of the waterfall. The addition of a flooded meadow further enhances the spectacle by producing a reflection bow. While capturing the full grandeur of a moonbow may be challenging, the beauty it unveils is worth the effort. Nature's ability to create such breathtaking phenomena reminds us of the wondrous intricacies of our world.

Moonbow Yosemite Falls with Reflection in Yosemite Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California. Imaged by Brent Gilstrap (Photography site) on the night of 14/15th May 2006. ©Brent Gilstrap, shown with permission.

Careful calculation, timing and camera location are needed for the required combination of dark sky and a bright moon in just the right position to create a rainbow in the spray from the falls.

Plus, plenty of spray. "2006 brought an unusual amount of snowfall to the Sierra Nevada mountains - about twice the average. The spring runoff was very high, causing both the thick mist critical to creating the bow and the flooded meadow necessary for the reflection."

The reflection is a 'reflected bow' produced by moonlight first refracted and reflected through spray droplets before being reflected again by the flooded meadow.

Size restrictions of a web page do not allow full justice tot his vertical panorama of three 30s exposures and a 63s exposure for the lowermost frame all within a 5 minute period.

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