While complete 360-degree circle rainbows aren't actually rare, seeing them is quite rare.
Here's why:
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Definition: A "circle rainbow" refers to a full 360-degree rainbow. Standard rainbows we see are arcs because the horizon cuts off the rest of the circle.
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Visibility: The reason we rarely see a full circle rainbow is because we usually observe rainbows from the ground. The ground obstructs our view of the lower portion of the rainbow.
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Observation Points: Full circle rainbows are most often observed from high vantage points, such as:
- Airplanes
- Tall buildings
- Mountains
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Scientific Rarity vs. Experiential Rarity: Scientists say 360-degree rainbows are not rare. The condition to see a rainbow (rain + sun behind you) are not rare. But the condition to see a full circle is rare because it requires you to be high up. So, experientially, most people will never see one.
So, while the phenomenon of a full circle rainbow isn't particularly rare from a scientific perspective, experiencing one is rare due to the specific viewing conditions required.
