2006-06-05 19:46:17 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
The arc of a rainbow has nothing to do with the curvature of the earth.
A rainbow is formed because light from the sun is double refracted back toward you. When you see a rainbow the sun will be behind you, and the centre of the rainbow will be opposite the position of the sun.
Of course, the light is scattered back equally in every direction you look, so a rainbow is actually a full circle with its centre opposite the sun.
However, unless you are in a plane looking down (when you do see a full circle - i've seen it) the point opposite the sun will be below the horizon, so part of the circle will be cut off by the horizon and you will see an arc.
2006-06-05 23:33:24 · answer #1 · answered by Epidavros 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its because of the curve of the earth. but if u go above the rainbow [which is possible] the rainbow will appear to be in a full circle! interesting.. huh??
2006-06-06 02:54:30 · answer #2 · answered by czar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It appears to be arched because of the Earth's curvature and
because of the refracting light
2006-06-06 02:51:42 · answer #3 · answered by top_spin_lob 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Asked and answered.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtdXQV.xEYi0yv7u8B9hPDbsy6IX?qid=1006051500487
2006-06-06 16:40:46 · answer #4 · answered by James E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋