It is sometimes referred to as a glory. They occur for reasons similar to those of conventional rainbows. Light passing through water droplets (which make up clouds, fogs, mists, rain, ...) refracts at the droplet interface. When the droplets are round, each color emerges at a given angle, forming the rainbow. Different kinds of rainbows result from the number of bounces the light makes inside the droplet.
Very nice photograph of a beautiful physical phenomena!
Interestingly, rainbows are these beautiful physical phenomena which do not appear to have any real purpose. For example, some people argue that flowers have evolved into their beautiful configurations in order to attract pollinators. But rainbows are just beautiful for no real reason. A few years ago, as I was admiring a beautiful fall landscape here in New York, I came to the same conclusion about the colorful display of the leaves changing color. It is not obvious that a tree gets any real benefit from changing the color of its leaves. But, all the same it is a beautiful sight and lasts a good deal longer than a typical rainbow.
I took the picture (actually many) out the airplane window when I flew to North Carolina in October. I was so glad to have my camera so that I could share with others what I was seeing.
Thank you for comments about rainbows and fall leaves. I like the idea that somethings are just there for us to appreciate their beauty.
2 comments:
I can see it too!
It is sometimes referred to as a glory. They occur for reasons similar to those of conventional rainbows. Light passing through water droplets (which make up clouds, fogs, mists, rain, ...) refracts at the droplet interface. When the droplets are round, each color emerges at a given angle, forming the rainbow. Different kinds of rainbows result from the number of bounces the light makes inside the droplet.
Very nice photograph of a beautiful physical phenomena!
Interestingly, rainbows are these beautiful physical phenomena which do not appear to have any real purpose. For example, some people argue that flowers have evolved into their beautiful configurations in order to attract pollinators. But rainbows are just beautiful for no real reason. A few years ago, as I was admiring a beautiful fall landscape here in New York, I came to the same conclusion about the colorful display of the leaves changing color. It is not obvious that a tree gets any real benefit from changing the color of its leaves. But, all the same it is a beautiful sight and lasts a good deal longer than a typical rainbow.
I took the picture (actually many) out the airplane window when I flew to North Carolina in October. I was so glad to have my camera so that I could share with others what I was seeing.
Thank you for comments about rainbows and fall leaves. I like the idea that somethings are just there for us to appreciate their beauty.
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