If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)

Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Can someone explain the science on this?

bilbot79 · 2020-08-02 22:06:20

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?

02-08-2020 10:06pm

#1

bilbot79

Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,080 ✭✭✭

Join Date: June 2014

Posts: 2005

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?

0

Comments

#2 03-08-2020 4:08pm

Capt'n Midnight

Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,581 Mod ✭✭✭✭

Join Date: March 2003

Posts: 91819

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.

0