2 types of rainbow effect

[bugbotherer]

First a classic rainbow (with an artistic twist I hope)

Now an ice rainbow from Norfolk

Colour is everywhere
bugbotherer

[Duke of York]

We noticed a strange rainbow today while looking at clouds in our back garden. Since there was no sign of rain we were a bit surprised and wondered if it was a reflection from something on the ground as it always seem to appear in the same place.

But after seeing the pictures above it looks like we saw a ice rainbow. I took a photo unfortunately it had faded before I could snap it but this what I got



If you look carefully you might just spot it

[Wild-Woman]

Can't remember the name of this phenomenon, but I understand that it is created by defraction of the suns rays through ice crystals in clouds that are very high.If the name comes back to me I'll post it. I expect someone else will know though. Julie

[Susie]

Wow, I have never seen or even heard of an ice rainbow before, thank you both for posting those pictures.

Does anyone else think the cloud shape in Bugbotherer's ice rainbow picture looks like a man with a rainbow coloured stripey tank top on, or is it just me?

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Susie

Wow, I have never seen or even heard of an ice rainbow before, thank you both for posting those pictures.

Does anyone else think the cloud shape in Bugbotherer's ice rainbow picture looks like a man with a rainbow coloured stripey tank top on, or is it just me?

Yes great pics.

I see the man too! It's that Mick off Time Team - spooky!

[Susie]

You are as mad as I am Alan! And didn't you know that it is compulsory for archeologists to have stripey hand knitted jumpers and dodgy hats?

Anyway, it is a great photo.

[henrya]

These are called sundogs or, more technically, 22 degree parhelia (one is a parhelion).

But bugbotherer's is unusual in that it appears to be sideways, compared to Duke of York's picture) - did you rotate the picture bb? If not, it's the top of a parhelic circle. Must look up to see if it's still a sundog at this position.

henrya

[bugbotherer]

Henrya,
I was looking straight up with the sun behind me. If that helps ? Don't recall rotating the Saturday swapshop host either

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by henrya

These are called sundogs or, more technically, 22 degree parhelia (one is a parhelion).

But bugbotherer's is unusual in that it appears to be sideways, compared to Duke of York's picture) - did you rotate the picture bb? If not, it's the top of a parhelic circle. Must look up to see if it's still a sundog at this position.

henrya

That's the name! My memory just isn't like it used to be. Sorry, what were we talking about?

[Garden Carpet]

On a flight to Spain I noticed a circular rainbow in the clouds below the aircraft. This lasted a long time so I thought it must have been some sort of reflection from the aircraft. Perhaps it wasnt afterall... any ideas what it might have been.. it was pretty large and a complete circle.