Yes, moonbows (lunar rainbows) are considered rare.
While the same principles that create a daytime rainbow also create a moonbow, the conditions required for a moonbow to appear are much more specific, making them a less frequent sight. These conditions include:
- A nearly full moon: The moon needs to be bright enough to provide sufficient light.
- Dark sky: The sky needs to be dark for the fainter light of a moonbow to be visible. Light pollution can easily wash it out.
- Water droplets in the air: Similar to rainbows, moonbows require water droplets, often in the form of mist or spray from waterfalls or rain.
- Observer position: You need to be positioned correctly, with the moon behind you and the water droplets in front.
Because of these requirements, moonbows aren't seen as often as rainbows. Some locations are known for their frequent moonbows due to consistent conditions, such as Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Kentucky, Victoria Falls in Zambia/Zimbabwe, and Yosemite National Park.
While you might not see one every day, knowing the conditions can increase your chances of spotting one of these beautiful and rare lunar phenomena.
