The Science of Rainbows: Light, Refraction, and Dispersion

Rainbows may seem like simple arcs of color in the sky, but behind their beauty lies a rich tapestry of physics. In this episode, we dive into the science of rainbows—exploring how light interacts with water droplets through refraction, reflection, and dispersion to create one of nature’s most dazzling displays. Discover how sunlight bends and splits, why the colors appear in a specific order, and what double rainbows and “supernumerary” bands reveal about atmospheric conditions. A vivid blend of optics and wonder, this episode brings the invisible mechanics of light to life.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/kurzgesagt-podcast-science-revealed--6600013/support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.