Can we see the complete circle of a rainbow in the sky?

[Tinamuline]

I am just wondering that can we see the complete circle of a rainbow in the sky. If you know the answer, please tell me. Thank you for your help.

 

[Kral]

Re: Rainbow

Tinamuline,
See h**p://eo.ucar.edu/rainbows/. The referenced article in Scientific American is very good.
Regards,
Kral

 

[pmonon]

Re: Rainbow

No, it is not possible to get a full circle....

 

[echo47]

Rainbow

Some silly ideas ...

If I stand outside on a sunny afternoon, and use a garden hose to spray a fine mist into the air, I see a full circle rainbow opposite the sun. However, only part of that rainbow is above the horizon, the rest is down near by feet. I imagine the same effect would occur if I stood on the edge of a canyon with the sun behind me and rain falling into the canyon. However, the lower part of the circle is below the horzon, not really "in the sky".

I can move the garden-hose circular rainbow fully into the sky by arranging a large mirror to reflect the sunlight upwards into the water droplets.

I suppose it would also be possible to sail a boat to the middle of a calm lake that is reflecting sunlight upwards into the falling rain. However sunlight reflected by water is relatively dim so the rainbow may be difficult to see.

 

[mkjjtamz]

Re: Rainbow

nope.. u can't see the whole circle of the rainbow in the sky......