RSS
Home
Full Circle Rainbows
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Untouched shot of the 2006 full circle rainbow.
Photo by Christian Espanol.
Part of the Canyon Wierdies Series
Rainbows are a familiar sight to everyone. Seeing the arc of colors while washing your car and watering the lawn is a spectacle to any child. The half circle spectrum has a relaxing affect to most adults driving after a rain or enjoying a walk during a sprinkling. A double rainbow is very impressive to spot and something you want to share with the nearest person to you. But have you ever seen a full circle rainbow?
Full circle rainbows are normally only visable under certain conditions and perspectives. All rainbows are full circles, however the spray from a hose and the horizon while outside prevent the entire circle from being seen. It's recommended to have an airplane or high rise building at your disposal. Luckily we have the Grand Canyon,
During a picnic in 2006 out in Shoshone point a few miles east of Grand Canyon Village, a monsoon was passing from the North Rim through the Canyon on an easterly direction. I was out on the point after the storm passed (a very inadvisable action on my part) When I look northeast from the point I could see it as large as life. A full circle rainbow with an arc above the horizon and an arc going down into the Canyon just grazing the canyon floor. I ran back to my car to get my camera and when I was able to position myself to see the rainbow again through the trees, it was already fading. I looked through the view finder and realised I would not be able to reposition anywhere as I was zoomed out as war as the camera would go and could barely get a quarter of the circle in the shot. I started snapping away to get the evidence of what I saw as the fading was already taking a noticable toll on the rainbow's vibrance.
Since that day I have not seen a full circle rainbow. This monsoon season I will be prepared. If you come by the park in the middle of monsoon season and visit the Yavapai Point Observation Station in the late afternoon, remember to look for me and say hello. Do not forget to bring your camera, and a wide angle lens if you have it.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
