Early Morning San Francisco Rainbow

Provided and copyright by: Paul Vetter, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Summary authors & editors: Paul Vetter

This early morning, partial rainbow was parked over the San Francisco Bay area on April 13, 2006. The photo was taken from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, located on the hillside above Berkeley, looking west towards San Francisco, where the rainbow appears to terminate. Once the Sun pushed above the eastern horizon, there was just enough moisture in the coastal clouds to form a rainbow. The "height" of this bow is indicative of the time it took shape. In the far background, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge are visible, as is Alcatraz island. What better place for a rainbow to end then the Golden Gate Bridge?

Related Links:

• Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
• Atmospheric Optics
• Sky Photography
• A Field Guide to the Rainbows
• Color and Light in Nature