Have you seen a rainbow after the rain?

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:00]Did you know that you can't see a rainbow in the middle of the day?

[00:00:03]Unless you're flying in an airplane, of course.

[00:00:06]You probably already know that rainbows occur after it rains because of sunlight passing through water droplets that are floating in the air.

[00:00:13]Causing the light to bend or refract, [music] separating the different wavelengths and creating an array of colors.

[00:00:20]But why would rainbows only be visible at certain times of day?

[00:00:23]If you're standing on the ground, as opposed to being on a mountain top or flying in an airplane, you will not see a rainbow in the middle of the day.

[00:00:31]>> [music] >> In order to see a rainbow while standing at ground level, the sun needs to be at least 42° below the horizon. The sun must also be behind the observer.

[00:00:41]So, rainbows can typically be seen in the western [music] sky during the early morning just after sunrise and in the eastern sky during the late afternoon >> [music] >> just before sunset.

[00:00:50]So, if you ever go rainbow hunting after it rains, remember [music] these tips.

[00:00:54]If it's morning, look to the west opposite of where the sun is rising.

[00:00:57][music] If it's sunset, look to the east opposite of where the sun is setting.

[00:01:03]And happy hunting.

[00:01:05]If you want to hear [music] more tidbits and quick facts, check out our other videos.