The term “fire rainbow” has been circulating on social media and online platforms, leaving many to wonder if this phenomenon is real or just a myth. While it may sound like something out of a fantasy novel, fire rainbows do exist, but not in the way you might expect. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind fire rainbows, exploring what they are, how they form, and what makes them so unique.
What is a Fire Rainbow?
A fire rainbow, also known as a circumhorizontal arc, is a rare atmospheric phenomenon that appears as a horizontal band of color in the sky. It’s not a traditional rainbow, which is typically seen as an arc of color in the sky after a rain shower. Instead, fire rainbows are caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere.
The Science Behind Fire Rainbows
Fire rainbows are formed when the sun is high in the sky (above 58 degrees), and there are cirrus clouds or ice crystals present in the atmosphere. The sunlight enters the ice crystals at a precise angle, causing the light to be refracted, or bent, and separated into its individual colors. This is known as dispersion, and it’s the same effect that occurs in traditional rainbows.
However, in the case of fire rainbows, the colors are not seen as an arc, but rather as a horizontal band of color. This is because the ice crystals are typically located at high altitudes, and the sunlight is entering them at a more shallow angle. As a result, the colors are spread out horizontally, rather than forming an arc.
Conditions Necessary for Fire Rainbows
For a fire rainbow to appear, several conditions must be met:
- The sun must be high in the sky (above 58 degrees)
- There must be cirrus clouds or ice crystals present in the atmosphere
- The sunlight must enter the ice crystals at a precise angle
- The air must be calm and stable, with little to no wind
Types of Fire Rainbows
While fire rainbows are relatively rare, there are several types that can occur, each with its own unique characteristics.
Circumhorizontal Arcs
Circumhorizontal arcs are the most common type of fire rainbow. They appear as a horizontal band of color, typically red on the outside and blue on the inside. These arcs can be quite vivid and can stretch across the entire sky.
Circumzenithal Arcs
Circumzenithal arcs are less common than circumhorizontal arcs and appear as a ring of color around the zenith (the highest point in the sky). These arcs are typically seen in conjunction with a circumhorizontal arc.
Supralateral Arcs
Supralateral arcs are the rarest type of fire rainbow and appear as a band of color above the circumhorizontal arc. These arcs are typically seen in conjunction with a circumhorizontal arc and a circumzenithal arc.
Fire Rainbows Around the World
Fire rainbows can be seen in various parts of the world, although they are relatively rare. Some of the best places to see fire rainbows include:
- The United States (particularly in the western states)
- Canada
- Europe (particularly in the UK and Scandinavia)
- Australia
- New Zealand
Notable Fire Rainbow Sightings
There have been several notable fire rainbow sightings in recent years. In 2015, a vivid fire rainbow was seen in the skies over Phoenix, Arizona. In 2018, a fire rainbow was spotted in the UK, and in 2020, a circumhorizontal arc was seen in the skies over New Zealand.
Photographing Fire Rainbows
Photographing fire rainbows can be challenging, as they are relatively rare and often appear unexpectedly. However, with the right equipment and a bit of luck, you can capture stunning images of these atmospheric phenomena.
Tips for Photographing Fire Rainbows
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire arc
- Shoot in RAW format to capture the full range of colors
- Use a tripod to stabilize the camera
- Shoot during the golden hour (just before sunset) for the best light
Conclusion
Fire rainbows are a rare and awe-inspiring atmospheric phenomenon that can be seen in various parts of the world. While they may not be as well-known as traditional rainbows, fire rainbows are just as beautiful and deserving of attention. By understanding the science behind fire rainbows and the conditions necessary for them to appear, you can increase your chances of seeing one of these stunning displays.
So the next time you’re out and about, take a moment to look up at the sky. You never know when you might spot a fire rainbow, and with a bit of luck and the right equipment, you can capture a stunning image of this rare and beautiful phenomenon.
Additional Resources
- National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/
- NASA: https://www.nasa.gov/
- Atmospheric Optics: https://www.atoptics.co.uk/
By exploring these resources, you can learn more about fire rainbows and other atmospheric phenomena, and stay up-to-date on the latest news and research in the field.
What is a fire rainbow, and how is it different from a traditional rainbow?
A fire rainbow, also known as a circumhorizontal arc, is a rare and striking atmospheric phenomenon that appears as a horizontal band of color in the sky. Unlike a traditional rainbow, which is formed by the refraction of sunlight through water droplets in the air, a fire rainbow is created by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere. This unique combination of conditions produces a vibrant, multicolored display that is often referred to as a “fire rainbow” due to its fiery appearance.
While traditional rainbows are typically seen as an arc of color in the sky, fire rainbows appear as a horizontal band of color, often with a more muted and pastel-like quality. This is due to the fact that the ice crystals that create fire rainbows are typically much larger than the water droplets that create traditional rainbows, resulting in a more diffuse and scattered display of color. Despite their differences, both traditional rainbows and fire rainbows are breathtaking displays of natural beauty that continue to captivate and inspire people around the world.
What are the conditions necessary for a fire rainbow to appear?
Fire rainbows are relatively rare because they require a very specific set of conditions to appear. The first condition is that the sun must be high in the sky, typically above 58 degrees, in order to create the necessary angle for the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals. The second condition is that there must be a layer of ice crystals in the atmosphere, typically at an altitude of around 20,000 feet. These ice crystals can come from a variety of sources, including cirrus clouds, contrails, and even volcanic eruptions.
The third and final condition necessary for a fire rainbow to appear is that the air must be relatively calm and stable, with little to no wind or turbulence. This is because wind and turbulence can disrupt the formation of the ice crystals and prevent the refraction of sunlight from occurring. When all of these conditions come together, the result is a breathtaking display of color and light that is unlike anything else in the natural world.
Are fire rainbows a sign of severe weather or other natural disasters?
Despite their dramatic appearance, fire rainbows are not typically a sign of severe weather or other natural disasters. In fact, fire rainbows are often seen on days when the weather is calm and clear, with little to no cloud cover. This is because the conditions necessary for a fire rainbow to appear, such as high sun and a layer of ice crystals in the atmosphere, are often associated with fair weather.
That being said, fire rainbows can occasionally be seen in association with severe weather, such as thunderstorms or volcanic eruptions. In these cases, the fire rainbow is often a sign of the presence of ice crystals in the atmosphere, which can be a indicator of the severity of the weather. However, it’s worth noting that fire rainbows are relatively rare, and their appearance is not necessarily a reliable indicator of severe weather.
Can fire rainbows be seen from anywhere in the world?
Fire rainbows can be seen from anywhere in the world, but they are relatively rare and typically require a specific set of conditions to appear. The best places to see fire rainbows are typically at high latitudes, such as in the Arctic or Antarctic regions, where the sun is high in the sky for much of the year. However, fire rainbows can also be seen at lower latitudes, particularly during the summer months when the sun is high in the sky.
In general, the best time to see a fire rainbow is during the late morning or early afternoon, when the sun is high in the sky and the air is typically calm and stable. It’s also worth noting that fire rainbows can be seen in a variety of different environments, including over land and sea, and can even be seen from aircraft or spacecraft.
How long do fire rainbows typically last?
Fire rainbows are relatively short-lived, typically lasting only a few minutes to a few hours. The duration of a fire rainbow depends on a variety of factors, including the stability of the atmosphere, the amount of ice crystals present, and the position of the sun. In general, fire rainbows tend to be most vivid and intense when the sun is high in the sky, and they often fade or disappear as the sun begins to set.
Despite their relatively short duration, fire rainbows can be a breathtaking sight, and many people travel great distances to see them. If you’re lucky enough to see a fire rainbow, be sure to take plenty of photos and enjoy the experience, as it may not last long.
Can fire rainbows be photographed or captured on video?
Yes, fire rainbows can be photographed or captured on video, but it can be challenging due to their relatively short duration and the fact that they often appear in a specific location in the sky. To capture a fire rainbow on camera, it’s best to use a wide-angle lens and a tripod, and to be prepared to shoot quickly as the fire rainbow appears.
It’s also worth noting that fire rainbows can be difficult to capture on camera because of their relatively faint color and the fact that they often appear against a bright blue sky. However, with the right equipment and a bit of luck, it’s possible to capture stunning images and videos of fire rainbows that can be shared with others.
Are fire rainbows a rare atmospheric phenomenon?
Yes, fire rainbows are a relatively rare atmospheric phenomenon, due to the specific set of conditions necessary for them to appear. Fire rainbows require a combination of high sun, a layer of ice crystals in the atmosphere, and calm and stable air, which is a relatively rare combination of conditions. As a result, fire rainbows are not seen as frequently as other atmospheric phenomena, such as traditional rainbows or sunsets.
Despite their rarity, fire rainbows are a popular topic of interest among atmospheric scientists and photographers, who are drawn to their unique beauty and the challenge of capturing them on camera. If you’re lucky enough to see a fire rainbow, consider yourself fortunate, as it’s a truly rare and special experience.