While "rainbow lightning" isn't a scientifically recognized phenomenon, the simultaneous occurrence of a rainbow and lightning is real, though rare.
Essentially, what people might perceive as "rainbow lightning" is simply a standard lightning strike happening at the same time and in the same vicinity as a rainbow. Because both events on their own aren't rare, it is unusual to capture an image of both simultaneously, because of the "perfect conditions" required.
Here's a breakdown:
- Rainbows: Form when sunlight refracts and reflects through water droplets in the air (usually after rain).
- Lightning: A sudden electrostatic discharge that occurs during thunderstorms.
The rarity stems from the specific weather conditions needed for both:
- Rain and Sunlight: A rainbow needs both rain and sunlight, with the sun typically behind the observer.
- Thunderstorm: Lightning necessitates thunderstorm conditions.
For the two to be visually linked, a thunderstorm needs to occur in a location where sunlight is also hitting raindrops to form a rainbow. Capturing the event requires a photographer in the right place at the right time.
Therefore, while there's no special type of lightning called "rainbow lightning," the coincidental and visually striking overlap of these two natural phenomena is indeed a real, though uncommon, occurrence.
