Zero Order Glow & Rainbows

Last updated on September 16, 2023

Zero Order Glow & Rainbows: Exploring the Phenomenon

Have you ever noticed a radiant glow in the sky when rain is falling and a rainbow is present? If you direct your gaze towards the sun, you may observe a mesmerizing display of golden or red hues illuminating the sky. This captivating phenomenon is known as the "zero order glow."

The zero order glow occurs when light passes through raindrops without being internally reflected, resulting in a diffuse illumination of the sky. While rainbows are formed by the refraction and reflection of light within raindrops, the zero order glow is produced by light that simply passes through the raindrops.

But why does this phenomenon manifest as a glow rather than a rainbow? To understand this, we must delve deeper into the intricacies of light interaction with raindrops.

When sunlight enters a raindrop, it undergoes refraction, causing it to bend as it passes from air to water. The light then reflects off the inner surface of the raindrop before refracting again upon exiting. This process disperses the light into its component colors, creating the stunning arc of a rainbow.

However, not all light that enters a raindrop follows this intricate path of refraction and reflection. Some light rays manage to traverse through the raindrop without undergoing internal reflection. These rays exit the raindrop and contribute to the zero order glow, bathing the surrounding sky in a soft, diffused light.

The zero order glow typically appears in the vicinity of a rainbow, adding an ethereal quality to the atmospheric display. Its coloration is often golden or red when the sun is low on the horizon, creating a striking contrast against the backdrop of rain-laden clouds.

While rainbows are renowned for their vivid colors and distinct arcs, the zero order glow provides a subtle yet enchanting complement to this natural spectacle. Its presence adds depth and complexity to our perception of atmospheric optics, reminding us of the intricate interplay between light and water droplets.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the zero order glow serves as a reminder of the ever-present beauty and wonder that surrounds us. It invites us to pause, appreciate, and marvel at the natural phenomena that grace our skies, even in the midst of a seemingly ordinary rain shower.

So, the next time you find yourself in the presence of a rainbow and rainfall, take a moment to turn your gaze towards the sun. Allow yourself to be captivated by the enchanting glow that suffuses the sky, and embrace the magic of the zero order glow. It is a testament to the harmonious dance of light and water, reminding us of the extraordinary beauty that exists within the realm of atmospheric optics.

Zero Order Glow & Rainbows ~ Seen by D�vid H�rincs at Egyh�zasr�d�c, Hungary ©D�vid H�rincs

When there is a rainbow and rain is also falling around you, look sunwards. Often the sky there is suffused with light, golden or red when the sun is low. This is the 'zero order glow'.

Light passing through raindrops without being internally reflected forms the glow. But why a glow rather than a rainbow?

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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