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The Diffraction Rainbow

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2016

D. R. English*
Affiliation:
Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa.
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This is a very beautiful natural phenomenon, seen on occasions when the primary bow is a strong one. As will appear later, the occurrence necessitates raindrops of a homogeneous size, and of course bright sunshine at a low angle. The diffraction rainbow is therefore most commonly seen in tropical countries, in a thunderstorm that has already passed over and is moving away from the setting (or rising) sun.

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Letter
Copyright
Copyright © Mathematical Association 1966