A rainbow can be seen only in the morning or late afternoon it can occur only when the sun is 40 degrees or less above the horizon

A Rainbow Can Be Seen Only in the Morning or Late Afternoon

Have you ever wondered why rainbows are more commonly seen in the morning or late afternoon? It turns out that the time of day and the position of the sun play crucial roles in the formation of these beautiful natural phenomena. Contrary to popular belief, rainbows are not limited to specific seasons but rather depend on the angle of the sun in relation to the observer’s position.

The best time to catch a glimpse of a rainbow is when the sun is 40 degrees or less above the horizon. This typically occurs in the morning or late afternoon. During these times, the sun’s rays have to travel through a thicker layer of Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in a greater amount of atmospheric particles being present. These particles act as tiny prisms, bending and dispersing the sunlight into its various colors, creating a rainbow.

When the sun is higher in the sky, such as during midday, the light rays have to pass through a shorter path of the atmosphere. Consequently, fewer atmospheric particles are present, making it less likely for a rainbow to form. In addition, the angle at which sunlight enters and leaves raindrops plays a crucial role in the creation of a rainbow. The angle needs to be just right, not too steep or too shallow, for the light to be reflected and refracted in a way that produces the characteristic arc shape.

While rainbows can occur in any season, the limited time frame for their appearance during each day is due to the specific position of the sun. This positioning creates the right conditions for sunlight to interact with raindrops and create the beautiful colors of a rainbow.

In conclusion, if you want to increase your chances of spotting a rainbow, keep an eye out in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky. Remember, the angle of the sun must be 40 degrees or less above the horizon to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon. So, next time you see rain and the sun shining, take a moment to look up and appreciate the magical beauty of a rainbow.

Source: AccuWeather