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For centuries the rainbow has been an object of wonder for scientists and mathematicians. It has taken 2000 years to discover many of its secrets. This five track album uses 3D imagery to explain exactly how light is deflected off rain droplets to form the bow like shape we see. This material forms part of The Open University course MU120 Open mathematics.
Track 5: Secondary rainbow
If you're lucky enough to see the secondary fainter rainbow just above the first, you might wonder why it's colours are reversed?
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Tracks in this podcast:
| Track | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The rainbow analysed introduction | The rainbow analysed introduction Play now The rainbow analysed introduction |
| 2 | Aristotle's theory | In about 300BC Greek philosopher Aristotle proposed a theory to why the rainbow has such a specific shape. Play now Aristotle's theory |
| 3 | A full circle rainbow? | Aristotle's model also tells us that if we are high enough we can see the full rainbow circle. This is often witnessed from planes. Play now A full circle rainbow? |
| 4 | The colours of the rainbow | Why does a rainbow have so many colours? Find out how light reflect off raindrops. Play now The colours of the rainbow |
| 5 | Secondary rainbow | If you're lucky enough to see the secondary fainter rainbow just above the first, you might wonder why it's colours are reversed? Play now Secondary rainbow |
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