A rainbow is an optical phenomenon caused by refraction, internal reflection and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a continuous spectrum of light appearing in the sky. [1]

While rainbows are commonly represented as having 7 distinct bands of color, scientifically there are 12 complete wavelengths that comprise a full rainbow spectrum.

To find a rainbow, the Sun needs to be behind your back. If you look carefully, you may also be able to see a faint double or a secondary rainbow, above the primary rainbow (Figure 1). …

Apr 26, 2023 · Learn the colors of the rainbow in order and how they differ in a double rainbow. See why there are different lists of colors.

We’ll explain everything you need to know about the rainbow color order, including what ROYGBIV means, why rainbows exist, and whether or not the rainbow order will ever change.

4 days ago · A rainbow is caused by the refraction, dispersion, and reflection of sunlight as it passes through raindrops. As light passes through raindrops, it bends at different rates …

Feb 8, 2025 · When sunlight hits the water droplets in the air, the white light splits into a spectrum of colors that bend (or refract) at different angles. This is what gives us the eye-catching arc …

In "reality" the colors of the rainbow consist of the whole light-color-spectrum but our visual system forms the distinctive bands. The rainbow is partly transparent because some light isn't …

Large inspiration for this site, which attempts to connect atmospheric rainbows to other manifestations of the visible spectrum. Suggested first page: The Visible Spectrum.

Most modern definitions of the spectrum of visible light exclude indigo, merging it into the ranges of shades of blue and violet. The idea that there are seven colours in the rainbow still...