Double Rainbow Sunset Over Italy

January 13, 2022

Rainbow

Photographer: Riccardo Rossi

Summary Authors: Riccardo Rossi; Cadan Cummings

This vibrant photo of a double rainbow was taken following a rainstorm on September 26, 2021, near Soliera, Italy. For a double rainbow to form, specific atmospheric conditions must be present that include larger water droplets suspended in the air. These large droplets are necessary for a double reflection to occur. When viewing a double rainbow, take note of how the secondary rainbow is much fainter and the colors are reversed compared to the primary rainbow. If you are looking to spot a rainbow, always look at the point in the sky exactly opposite the solar disk, also called the antisolar point. Interestingly, the rainbow shown in the photo is a perfect half circle- as opposed to an arc- because the Sun was setting exactly behind me in that moment.

Photo details: Nikon D90 + AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, 14mm, 1/30 second exposure, f/2.8, ISO-200 (5 photos merged)


View Larger Map