Chasing Rainbows: A Cozy Chat About Light and Colour🌈

The Science Behind the Magic

When you think of rainbows, you might picture a heavy rainstorm or a gloomy sky, right? But what is actually going on when we see these beautiful colours in the sky. Well, it all comes down to light and how it interacts with water droplets in the atmosphere. It sounds complicated but in reality it is quite simple. You see, sunlight or (white light) is made up of all sorts of colours but we usually don’t see these colours when they all flood together into the human eye. They get sort of hidden and blended together in the light we see every day. Now, this is where things get fancy. When the white light hits the raindrop it blends and refracts through the water, changing the direction of the light. The light keeps bouncing off of the back of the water droplets, and by the time it exits the water the colours of light spread out and become visible. Each colour blends at a different angle, giving us the beautiful rainbow across the sky. Sounds amazing, right? But what is even more amazing is that the rainbow you see is your rainbow, no one else’s. No two rainbows are the same, because how you see it depends entirely on where you are standing. I don’t know about you, but I think that makes them all the more special.

More Than Just Colour

I’ll be honest with you, as much as I love the science behind rainbows, there’s also something I find poetic about them. They are more then just scientific light bouncing off of water particles in the sky. They have always had a profound meaning to me, like they are a little message from nature, reminding me that after the rain comes something beautiful. I’ve often thought of rainbows as a kind of hug from the world. They appear when the skies are clearing, and there’s something so comforting about that. Maybe it’s because they remind me of all those childhood stories, the ones about the pot of gold and new beginnings. They make you stop and smile, even if just for a second. They bring a little bit of wonder to our everyday lives. And when you see one, it feels like the universe is giving you a little wink. A reminder that even on cloudy days, there’s always something beautiful waiting to shine through.

Let’s Make a Rainbow (No Rain Required!)

If you’re impatient like me, you don’t have to wait for the rain to make a rainbow. You can actually create one indoors, whenever you like. Trust me, it’s a lot simpler than you might think, and it’s a fun way to teach inquisitive minds about the science behind rainbows at home.

What You’ll Need:

• A clear glass of water (any glass will do and even some clear plastic containers filled with water!)
• A piece of white paper
• A sunny spot by the window
• A spoon or small mirror (this will help reflect the light)

Here’s What You Do:

1. Fill your glass with water. It doesn’t have to be filled all the way to the top but high enough to give you something to work with.
2. Find a sunny spot. Put the glass of water in a place where sunlight is streaming in, like by a window.
3. Hold the paper. Now, take your white piece of paper and hold it about a foot or two away from the glass. Angle it just right, and wait for the magic to happen.
4. Use the spoon or mirror. If you want to get fancy, use a spoon (the curved side) or a small mirror to reflect the light through the glass. You’ll start to see the light breaking into colours on the paper! This step isn’t always necessary but can be helpful if you are struggling.
5. Admire your rainbow. Look at what you’ve created and take your time to explain and enjoy it.
6. Grab some colouring pencils or pens. Make sure you have plenty of colours and colour in the rainbow that is reflected onto your page. This way even when the sunshine fades you can still have your own personal rainbow to brighten your day.