The Rainbow analysed - for iPad/Mac/PC: Recent Episodes
The Open University
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.
In about 300BC Greek philosopher Aristotle proposed a theory to why the rainbow has such a specific shape.
Transcript -- In about 300BC Greek philosopher Aristotle proposed a theory to why the rainbow has such a specific shape.
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.
Transcript -- 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.
Transcript -- Why does a rainbow have so many colours? Find out how light reflect off raindrops.
If you're lucky enough to see the secondary fainter rainbow just above the first, you might wonder why it's colours are reversed?
Transcript -- If you're lucky enough to see the secondary fainter rainbow just above the first, you might wonder why it's colours are reversed?