Reflections on Rainbows

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Reflections on Rainbows: Unraveling the Mysteries of Optical Phenomena

Rainbows have long fascinated and captivated us with their ethereal beauty. These enchanting arcs of color that grace the sky after a rain shower are not only a testament to the wonders of nature but also a fascinating display of atmospheric optics. While we may be familiar with the primary and secondary rainbows, there is a whole world of rainbow-like phenomena that occur through reflections and refractions. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of these "reflection rainbows" and explore the mesmerizing complexities they possess.

The Genesis of Rainbows: Reflections within Raindrops

Before we venture into the realm of reflection rainbows, let's revisit the origin of ordinary rainbows. When sunlight passes through raindrops, it undergoes a series of internal reflections and refractions. These internal reflections cause the light to disperse into its constituent colors, resulting in the primary rainbow. The secondary rainbow, on the other hand, occurs due to an additional reflection within the raindrop. But the wonders of rainbows do not end here.

Reflection Bows: The Beauty of Light Dancing on Water

Imagine standing by a calm river on a sunny day, gazing at the water's surface. Suddenly, you notice a breathtaking sight - an array of bows shimmering above the horizon. These are known as reflection bows, and they are created when sunlight first reflects off the calm river surface before reaching our eyes. The reflected sunlight produces these captivating bows, centered on a point at the same altitude as the sun but directly opposite.

The Enigmatic Continuations: Reflected Bows in Water

As if reflection bows were not intriguing enough, nature has another surprise in store for us. Rays from raindrops that would typically form above-horizon rainbows sometimes reflect from the water's surface instead. These reflected bows appear within the water, forming continuations of the above-horizon reflection bows. The interplay of light and water creates a visually perplexing display, blurring the boundaries between the real and the reflected.

The Complexity Deepens: Reflected-Reflection Bows

Prepare to be astounded as we unravel another layer of optical marvels. In some instances, a single external reflection is not sufficient to satisfy nature's penchant for complexity. Sunlight, before reaching a raindrop, reflects off the river's surface. The outgoing rainbow light then reflects once again from the water, giving rise to what are known as "reflected-reflection" bows. These bows manifest as below-horizon continuations of the "ordinary" rainbows, adding another dimension to the already mesmerizing tapestry of atmospheric optics.

A Glimpse into the Spectacular: William Bradley's Northern Irish Adventure

Throughout history, countless individuals have been captivated by the allure of rainbows and their various manifestations. One such person was William Bradley, who had the fortune of witnessing these captivating optical phenomena in Northern Ireland. His observations provide us with a firsthand account of the beauty and complexity that rainbows can possess. Bradley's experiences serve as a reminder of the enchantment that awaits us when we pause to appreciate the wonders of our natural world.

The Unending Quest for Knowledge

As we explore the realm of atmospheric optics, we realize that there is always more to learn and discover. Each new observation, each scientific inquiry brings us closer to unraveling the mysteries that surround rainbows and other optical phenomena. The study of reflection rainbows not only enhances our understanding of light and its behavior but also ignites our curiosity and wonder for the world around us.

In conclusion, rainbows are not just fleeting moments of beauty but also windows into the captivating world of atmospheric optics. Reflection rainbows, with their intricate formations and mesmerizing interplay of light and water, add depth and complexity to this already enchanting phenomenon. Whether it is the reflection bows dancing above a calm river or the continuations of rainbows within water, these optical wonders remind us of the boundless wonders that await us if we only take a moment to look up and appreciate the magic that surrounds us.

The previous OPOD-Atoptics Highlight showed a puzzling coloured spot - a fragment of a 'reflection rainbow'. Here we see these bows in their full glory plus ones from more complex reflections. William Bradley saw them in Northern Ireland.

Ordinary rainbows (are they ever just ordinary) come from reflections inside raindrops. One for a primary bow, two for a secondary, yet more for higher order bows.

The extra above-horizon bows pictured above are generated by sunlight first reflected from the calm river surface. The upward going reflected sunlight produces 'reflection bows' centred on a point at the same altitude as the sun but directly opposite.

Reflected bows appear in the water. Rays from raindrops that would otherwise form the above-horizon rainbow reflect from the water. Confusingly, they form continuations of the above horizon reflection bows.

One external reflection is not enough for 'reflected-reflection' bows. Sunlight reflects off the river before reaching a raindrop. The outgoing rainbow light reflects once again from the water. These bows form below-horizon continuations of the 'ordinary' rainbows.

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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