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Supernumerary rainbow over NYC

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July 10, 2017

Supernumerary rainbow over New York City – July 8, 2017 – by Alexander Krivenyshev of WorldTimeZone.com

Here’s a classic example of a supernumerary rainbow, seen this weekend over New York. Les Cowley at Atmospheric Optics has written of this type of rainbow:

Look slightly inside a bright primary bow and sometimes you will see one or more predominantly green, pink and purple fringes. Their numbers and spacing can change from minute to minute. They are seen most often near the top of the bow …

Thank you, Alexander, for your photo!

Les Cowley said “predominantly green, pink and purple fringes” characterize a supernumerary rainbow. July 8 photo by Alexander Krivenyshev of WorldTimeZone.com

Bottom line: Supernumerary rainbow NYC July 8, 2017.

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July 10, 2017

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.