Don't need rain for a rainbow, just a semi-transparent atmospheric diffraction matrix (aka fine particulate matter, aka pollution) and the right angle of incident light to the observer. Hence the color coordination of the rainbow with the Max Factor building - with an actual rain caused rainbow, the water droplets are obviously without any coloring of their own so the natural ROYGBIV spectrum can emerge.
Diffraction rainbows can also be seen on a CD or DVD surface, which is caused by the small scale optical "grooves" on the aluminum substrate.
To follow up on Ugluk's observations, it doesn't need to be raining here (the observer's position); it needs to be raining there (where the sun hits the water droplets).
On embiggenning, it appears that there is in fact some rain falling from the cloud formation (just to the right of the Factorama, above "Mel's Diner") as characterized by the vertical streaks in the sky just below the cloud.
Haven't a clue how far away the cloud formation actually is, of course, but it would also be entirely possible for rain to not droppeth all the way to the ground. To which I can only say, wow, what a total fucking ripoff, man. Try harder, rain!
Hey Scott, it poured a week or so ago in South Pasadena, a hot tropical rain. Reminded me of Nam. Or you, know, Hawaii. You could see the storm cloud all the way up the 710, but I couldn't quite place where it was -- I just assumed it was above my apartment.
Don't need rain for a rainbow, just a semi-transparent atmospheric diffraction matrix (aka fine particulate matter, aka pollution) and the right angle of incident light to the observer. Hence the color coordination of the rainbow with the Max Factor building - with an actual rain caused rainbow, the water droplets are obviously without any coloring of their own so the natural ROYGBIV spectrum can emerge.
ReplyDeleteDiffraction rainbows can also be seen on a CD or DVD surface, which is caused by the small scale optical "grooves" on the aluminum substrate.
Science!
I love having smart readers. Thanks, Ugluks!
ReplyDeleteTo follow up on Ugluk's observations, it doesn't need to be raining here (the observer's position); it needs to be raining there (where the sun hits the water droplets).
ReplyDeleteOn embiggenning, it appears that there is in fact some rain falling from the cloud formation (just to the right of the Factorama, above "Mel's Diner") as characterized by the vertical streaks in the sky just below the cloud.
Haven't a clue how far away the cloud formation actually is, of course, but it would also be entirely possible for rain to not droppeth all the way to the ground. To which I can only say, wow, what a total fucking ripoff, man. Try harder, rain!
Nice photo, though.
Virga
ReplyDeleteDamn, that is some mighty obscure knowledge there, Dave.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say, I'm in awe. Smart readers, indeed!
You have dumb readers, too, but we find just leaving a comment to be the zenith of our intellectual capabilities.
ReplyDeleteI think it was nice of God to give you a blush for your photo
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris,
ReplyDeleteThere is actually a long, uninteresting story as to why I know that word.
But I will say that if I ever do start my own weblog (yeah, right), I am planning on naming it "Virga".
Hey Scott, it poured a week or so ago in South Pasadena, a hot tropical rain. Reminded me of Nam. Or you, know, Hawaii. You could see the storm cloud all the way up the 710, but I couldn't quite place where it was -- I just assumed it was above my apartment.
ReplyDeleteI see lots of odd shit in the sky on weekends.
ReplyDeleteJay, that's about when I took this photo, so quite possibly this represents the remains of your storm beating a leisurely retreat out of town.
ReplyDeletePink clouds and a rainbow? Looks like someone's making His opinion of gay marriage clear.
ReplyDelete(Sorry, all the high minded science talk was giving me snark withdrawl)
Jesus loves me this I know
ReplyDelete'cause his rainbow tells me so
Is it ....chubby rain?
ReplyDelete