Double Rainbows

[reb]

Very good pix. While we're analyzing the physics of the rainbows--I wonder why the area to the left (under the arc of the large rainbow) is so much lighter than above it. I noticed the same thing on a couple of similar scenes I shot the last couple of years.

 

[texbaylea]

Humbleto

You are right. The secondary rainbow is caused by a second reflection inside the rain drop. It only occurs with intense sunlight. That is also why the intensity is reduced. I have seen photographs containing third order rainbows with the colors in the natural order but very low intensity. A comment at the time said forth order was possible but extremely rare. If I remember correctly either the third or forth order occurs inside the primary rainbow/

I need to give it some thought but I believe that the intense light inside the raindow is the result of specular reflection until the angle reaches the point where refraction occurs. That causes the rainbow.

Vernon

 

[texbaylea]

#RRL

Great photos!!! You are lucky to have the opportunity to take the photos. If you every have the opportunity again look carefully for the higher orders of rainbows. You must have had intense sunlight behind you>

Vernon

 

[3RRL]

Yeah, we were lucky indeed! It sure made that drive in the rain a pleasure. Hey tex, where's that sketch for the bucket level on that other thread? Have you had a chance to draw it up yet?

Jstpssng ... I wish I were twice as rich, in my case 2 x zero = zero ha ha /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bird, those are nice photos as well. What the heck were you doing up in WV? That's a ways from Texas, isn't it? I had never seen double rainbows before...at least as I can remember.

Wonder if I should look closely at those pictures for a third rainbow? Couldn't recall seeing it when driving, though. It was really neat how the sunlight lit up the background. Heck, I was amazed at seeing the two of them! OK, here's another picture taken through the front windshield. My wife takes all these pictures. She's pretty good at it. I can't take any credit...just drove the truck. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[1948berg]

Sometimes the expression "Breathtaking" gives a meaning. I really understand what you felt seeing this. It does actually take your breth away!
Beautiful landscape, where exactly are these pictures taken?

 

[texbaylea]

Rob

I am still thinking about the level indicator. Want to be sure it really does what I intend before I publish it. Also thinking about the sight line problem.

I was going to suggest that you go back and look at your wifes photos for a third order rainbow but it will be very faint.

Vernon

 

[texbaylea]

Here is a good link to investigate about rainbows and other things:

www.atoptics.co.uk

My memory was off concerning the 3rd and 4th order rainbows according to this web site. They occur sunward according to this site. I will do more research on this as their explanations don't square with others that I have read.

Vernon

 

[3RRL]

Tex,
Very interesting site. I could not spot the 4th rainbow in the sand they were talking about though. Just goes to show you how much stuff is out there that guys like me have no clue about.

1948berg,
Those pictures are all taken on Hwy 198 in Central/Southern California, just about 15 miles from our rural property. Hwy 198 intersects Visalia, between Fresno and Bakersfield off the 99 FWY.

It is the route we take up to Three Rivers, CA. Three Rivers is a small town (pop 2000) located in the Foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is the gateway Sequoia National Park where the giant Redwoods are. Elevation (where we are) is 1468 ft and climate is similar (almost exactly) to our home in Southern CA. You can visit our website if you're interested.

 

[MossRoad]

We see lots of double rainbows here in Indiana. But it looks much better with the hills and cactus VS corn fields. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Very neat contrasts. Looks like a very small opening in the clouds to let that intense sunlight in. Very nice! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Amontilado]

Vernon,
Thanks for the site. I get so busy looking at the weather through a computer(haven't been observing full time for years), I forget how interesting Mother Nature's art can be. See a lot of the Sun Dogs (light spots about 15 dgrees either side of the sun), but a double rainbow is a true treat.

Steve