Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Why are rainbows always in same place?

30 replies

Wankytramphands · 21/11/2022 00:35

Is there a scientific reason I should know? There is often a rainbow and often a double rainbow in the exact same spot (not just the sky!) in my Town never anywhere else is it the way the sun falls or something?

OP posts:
JanglyBeads · 21/11/2022 10:36

Thanks so much @notimagain! (NC?)! Why didn't they depict the drops as drop shaped - much easier to interpret.

That really helps, yes

WashAsDelicates · 21/11/2022 12:11

Because water droplets are spherical while free-falling. They are only droplet-shaped as they detach from the object from which they fall.

JanglyBeads · 21/11/2022 12:26

Yes but it's meant as an explanatory diagram not a realistic representation!

JanglyBeads · 21/11/2022 12:27

Although I suppose you need to show a perfect sphere if talking about refraction

WashAsDelicates · 21/11/2022 16:14

WeDontNeedToTalkAboutJamie · 21/11/2022 08:26

Rainbows are apparently cone shaped. And we all see 'our own' rainbow, not the same one. They are fascinating really.

atoptics.co.uk/rainbows/primcone.htm#:~:text=The%20Rainbow%20Cone,eye%20to%20produce%20the%20bow.

What an absolutely gorgeous website! Thanks Grin

New posts on this thread. Refresh page