Fun Fact Physics

The Concept of a Double Rainbow!

By: Aadyaa Keyal - Researcher

Don't we all love seeing a rainbow after the rains? Some of us are lucky to witness a double rainbow! How does a double rainbow even occur? Physics takes part in this, read on!

In physics, a double rainbow is an optical illusion that occurs when sunlight reflects twice inside a raindrop:

Primary

The brighter rainbow that reflects off the water drops once.

Secondary

The fainter rainbow that reflects off the water drops a second time.

So in Physics we say, a double rainbow is a phenomenon of optics that displays a spectrum of light due to the sun shining on droplets of moisture in the atmosphere.

Fun fact: You can create your own double rainbow at home by doing a simple experiment that requires only a lamp and a jar of water!