The expert describes rainbows in Hawaii, its cultural significance, and the science behind why these might be the best rainbows.
Rainbow over east Oahu.
Rainbows have great cultural significance in Hawaii, with many terms and phrases for different types of rainbows in the Hawaiian language. In a new paper published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, a scientist makes the case for why Hawaii has the best rainbows on Earth.
……..
The Hawaiian words for rainbows describe different manifestations of rainbows that are possible. “There are words for Earth-clinging rainbows (uakoko), standing rainbow shafts (kāhili), barely visible rainbows (punakea), and moonbows (ānuenue kau pō), among others. In Hawaiian mythology the rainbow is a symbol of transformation and a pathway between Earth and Heaven, as it is in many cultures around the world,” says Businger in a press release.
……..
An example of supernumerary bows beneath the primary bow. Photo credit: Matt Champlin
Businger’s explanation for why Hawaii is the best for rainbows has to do with where it’s located and the trade winds it gets. The islands are also mountainous, which helps create the right weather. The islands get showers with clear skies in between, making it perfect for rainbow viewing.
“At night a warm sea surface heats the atmosphere from below, while radiation to space cools cloud tops, resulting in deeper rain showers in the morning that produce rainbows in time for breakfast,” says Businger in the press release.
Another factor is daytime heating that contributes to island level circulations of air. The air is also free from a lot of dust, pollen and pollution. This means there is less scattering of light because of particles in the air and the sunlight contains the full spectrum of light even at low angles, according to the paper.
……..
- Discussion
-
Best rainbows on Earth are in Hawaii, scientist says https://t.co/QxaF9qOtbB pic.twitter.com/ykIlLiwBQT
— The Hill (@thehill) March 12, 2021
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.