Dew Bow in Field at Kämpfelbach, Germany

November 15, 2010

Dewbowinfield 
Photographer: Michael Grossmann; Michael's Web page   
Summary Author: Michael Grossmann; Jim Foster

November 2010 Earth Science Picture of the Day Viewer's Choice

The photo above showing a sprightly dew bow was captured in a moist field crop at Kämpfelbach Germany on the night October 22, 2010. Since the photo was taken at night, the illuminating source is the almost-full Moon which is directly opposite of the dew bow -- at the anti-lunar point. The mechanics of a dew bow are similar to that of a rainbow -- moonlight is refracted and reflected within the dew drops. However, rather large dew drops are required in order to see these elusive bows more clearly. Note the city lights of Karlsruhe in the background.

Photo details: Canon EOS 450D camera; F/4; focal length 8 mm; ISO 100; exposure time 30 seconds; 3 photos stitched together.