Real rainbow

The Naked Scientists science discussion forum, a free public science forum for asking and answering questions about science, technology and medicine, chemistry, physics and biology.

Whether taken in a national park or their own backyards, these amazing pictures from readers are sure to inspire you.

Somewhere over the rainbow...

Physics teaches that rainbows are created when the sunlight reflects off of raindrops, breaking up the light into different wavelengths of color. This atmospheric phenomenon is most likely to occur immediately after a rain shower, when the sun is shining again, but condensation still lingers in the air. The rare and lovely appearance of rainbows makes them incredibly magical for children and adults alike. Perhaps this magic first inspired the notion of a pot of gold at the end of the…