Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
2015 July 28
Rainbows and Rays over Bryce Canyon
Image Credit & Copyright: John Rummel
Explanation: What's happening over Bryce Canyon? Two different optical effects that were captured in
one image taken earlier this month. Both effects needed to have the Sun situated directly behind the photographer. The nearest apparition was the common
rainbow, created by sunlight streaming from the setting sun over the head of the photographer, and scattering from raindrops in front of the canyon. If you look closely, even a
second rainbow appears above the first. More rare, and perhaps more striking, are the rays of light that emanate out from the horizon above the canyon. These are known as
anticrepuscular rays and result from sunlight streaming though breaks in the clouds, around the sky, and
converging at the point 180 degrees around from the Sun. Geometrically, this
antisolar point must coincide with the exact center of the rainbows. Located in
Utah, USA,
Bryce Canyon itself
contains a
picturesque array of ancient
sedimentary rock spires known as
hoodoos.
APOD Editor to Speak: Saturday, August 8 at Keweenaw Science & Engineering Festival
Tomorrow's picture: pink lagoon
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Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.
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