
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!
Read more: Supernumerary Rainbows at Atmospheric Optics

Bottom line: Supernumerary rainbow NYC July 8, 2017.
Like what you read?
Subscribe and receive daily news delivered to your inbox.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
More from
Deborah Byrd
View All
Curiosity rover insights after 5000+ sols on Mars
September 24, 2026
Visible planets and night sky guide for September and October
September 24, 2026
Great Square of Pegasus gallops into the autumn sky
September 20, 2026
Yes, there’s an aurora season, and it’s here
September 18, 2026
