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Can someone explain the science on this?

  • 02-08-2020 10:06pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 1,953 ✭✭✭


    On a plane journey I noticed that there was a kind of colourful circle reflecting on the clouds below. The plane must have been directly between the sun and this circle as it's shadow is in the centre. Can anyone explain how this is happening from a physics perspective?


Comments

  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 90,537 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    Sounds like Brocken spectre.

    You are so high you that you can see a fully circular rainbow. Normally you only see a bow because the horizon or other stuff gets in the way.


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