2006-07-21 08:51:21 · 7 answers · asked by Ron R 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
This is called a "circumzenith arc", and is one of several well-known solar halo effects caused by ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere at various heights. The most common of these effects are "parhelia", also known as "sun dogs".
2006-07-21 17:10:56 · answer #1 · answered by Keith P 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The rainbow effect is not create by the rain drops immodestly above you, but sufficiently far away so that the angle between you the sun and the rain drops are correct for creating the effect.
It may have rained a a mile or so away or is may simply have been slight rain (drizzle) at a high altitude where the drops evaporated before hitting the ground.
2006-07-21 16:04:11 · answer #2 · answered by Soren 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Rainbow effect isn't caused by the raindrops themselves but instead by the water vapor that remains in the air. Think to yourself...even though it was cool...was it humid? The effect is simply the wavelengths in the sunlight being seperated in the water particles. Just b/c you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there!
2006-07-21 16:12:22 · answer #3 · answered by Dustin S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Humidity or water vapor in the air
2006-07-21 16:11:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I imagine it was caused by the sun shining on water vapor in the air.
2006-07-21 15:54:58 · answer #5 · answered by clarity 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The above answers are correct. If you live in the southern hemisphere, it would be winter, thus it could also be tiny ice crystals suspended in the air.
2006-07-21 16:19:01 · answer #6 · answered by polloloco.rb67 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly high humidity
2006-07-21 16:12:12 · answer #7 · answered by tigerzntalons 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋