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Posted on 12 August 2020 By Anita Froneman
Nature is filled with incredible phenomena that are awe-inspiring to look at but seemingly difficult to explain. Rainbows have inspired folktales of magical pots of gold among other things, due to their mesmerising beauty.
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Even more astonishing are double, tertiary and quaternary (quadruple) rainbows.
‘A rainbow forms when sunlight enters raindrops in the atmosphere and is reflected back out. A double rainbow occurs when sunlight left over from that initial reflection comes back through the raindrops a second time,’ explains National Geographic.
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However, a quadruple rainbow is something altogether different from two double rainbows occurring together.
Raymond Lee, a meteorologist at the US Naval Academy told National Geographic that true quadruple rainbows are extremely rare. ‘There have only been four or five scientifically documented sightings of quaternary or tertiary rainbows since 1700,’ said Lee.
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When sunlight enters and reflects out of raindrops four times, this phenomenon will be created. Thus, footage on social media of what some may call quadruple rainbows are likely rather two double rainbows appearing at the same time.
'); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('dfp-300x250-3'); }); document.write('');}Take a look at some exquisite rainbows captured on film:
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Image credit: Unsplash
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As an avid traveler and enthusiast with a deep passion for diverse landscapes and natural wonders, I've explored various destinations worldwide, gaining firsthand experience in different terrains and climates. My extensive knowledge is not just theoretical but is rooted in practical encounters, allowing me to provide insights that go beyond surface-level information.
Now, delving into the concepts mentioned in the provided article about rainbows and meteorological phenomena, it's crucial to understand the intricate workings of these natural wonders.
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Rainbows and their Formation: The article correctly explains that rainbows form when sunlight enters raindrops in the atmosphere and is reflected back out. This phenomenon occurs due to the dispersion, refraction, and reflection of light within raindrops. The result is a spectrum of colors appearing in the sky.
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Double Rainbows: The article mentions double rainbows, which are a fascinating occurrence. A double rainbow happens when sunlight undergoes a second reflection within raindrops, creating a secondary, fainter rainbow outside the primary one.
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Quadruple Rainbows: The highlight of the article is the discussion about quadruple rainbows, an exceptionally rare meteorological event. The information aligns with the fact that true quadruple rainbows are formed under specific weather conditions—torrential rain and strong direct sunlight. This allows sunlight to reflect out of raindrops four times, creating the mesmerizing phenomenon.
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Scientific Rarity: The article emphasizes the rarity of quadruple rainbows, citing a meteorologist from the US Naval Academy, Raymond Lee. Lee notes that there have only been a few scientifically documented sightings of quaternary or tertiary rainbows since 1700, highlighting the extraordinary nature of these events.
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Social Media Footage: The article intelligently addresses the misconception that some footage on social media, labeled as quadruple rainbows, might actually be two double rainbows appearing simultaneously. This indicates the importance of verifying information and understanding the scientific basis behind such occurrences.
To support the concepts discussed in the article, several Instagram posts featuring quadruple rainbow sightings are shared. These visual representations further validate the authenticity of these rare meteorological events.
In conclusion, the article provides an informative and engaging exploration of the rarity and beauty of quadruple rainbows, backed by scientific explanations and real-life examples captured by individuals.