— by Lin McNulty —
In case you missed the double rainbow that graced the skies over Orcas Island yesterday, Margot Shaw sent this image captured above Crow Valley.
Spiritual Moment: A double rainbow is considered by some as a symbol of transformation and is a sign of good fortune in eastern cultures. The first arc represents the material world, and the second arc signifies the spiritual realm.
Science Moment: Secondary rainbows are caused by a double reflection of sunlight inside the raindrops, and are centered on the sun itself. They are about 127° (violet) to 130° (red) wide. Since this is more than 90°, they are seen on the same side of the sky as the primary rainbow, about 10° above it at apparent angles of 50–53°.
Can we just say that there might be a bright side to this election season?
Thanks, Margo … a truly exquisite photo!
We live in a thickly-forested area, and couldn’t see all of the rainbow. But through the gaps in the trees, we could see both ends of it!
At the end nearest our house, a Leprechaun was aggressively guarding his pot o’ gold. We didn’t stand a chance.
I saw it when I was moving into my new place. I hope for good fortune!