Yes, seeing a full circle rainbow is considered rare.
Understanding Rainbows
Most often, we see rainbows as semicircles. This is because the horizon line blocks the rest of the circle. A full circle rainbow requires a specific set of conditions that are not always met.
Conditions for a Full Circle Rainbow
| Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sun's Position | The sun needs to be low in the sky. |
| Observation Point | The observer needs to be at a high altitude. |
| Water Droplets | There needs to be rain or mist present. |
As the reference indicates, "In most cases, rainbows are semicircular. Yet on rare occasions, it is possible to spot a full circle rainbow. This type of rainbow typically occurs in high altitude areas. At lower altitudes, the position of the sun prevents a full circle from being formed." Therefore, these full circular rainbows are uncommon due to these specific requirements.
Where to See a Full Circle Rainbow
- Mountains: High mountain tops offer the necessary elevation.
- Airplanes: Observing from a plane can create this perspective.
- Waterfalls: Sometimes you can see full circle rainbows near a waterfall with the right conditions.
These conditions are rare to occur simultaneously, leading to the rarity of a full circle rainbow.
