Abstract
THERE seems to be a simple explanation of “An Unusual Rainbow” described by Mr. Low in NATURE of August 30. If the sea was sufficiently calm there, would be, from the point of view of the raindrops causing the rainbow, a real sun 7° above the horizon and also a mock sun 7° below it, caused by reflection. The primary and secondary bows caused by the latter as source would occupy exactly the positions indicated in the sketch with the appropriate colour arrangement. As the intensity and definition of the mock sun, good at grazing incidence, would fall off rapidly as the angle increased, only the lower part of the bows would be distinctly visible; this also is suggested in the sketch. The calmness of the sea is not specifically mentioned, but seems to be implied by the other weather conditions stated.
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ASTON, F. Unusual Rainbows. Nature 100, 5–6 (1917). https://doi.org/10.1038/100005d0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/100005d0
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