How often do Moonbows occur?

Chasing Moonlight: Why Seeing a Moonbow is Like Winning the Lottery

We’ve all seen rainbows, right? Those beautiful arcs that pop up after a sun-shower, a cheerful promise of better weather. But have you ever heard of a moonbow? If rainbows are common, moonbows are like finding a four-leaf clover while riding a unicorn – seriously rare. They’re also called lunar rainbows, and trust me, spotting one is an experience you won’t soon forget.

So, What Exactly Is a Moonbow?

Think of it this way: a moonbow is basically a rainbow, but instead of the sun, it’s the moon doing the heavy lifting. The science is the same – light bending and bouncing off water droplets – but the source is different. Those droplets could be from a light rain, a misty fog, or even the spray from a powerful waterfall. And just like with a regular rainbow, you need to be in the right spot, with the moon at your back.

Why Are They So Darn Rare?

Okay, here’s the thing: a whole bunch of things need to line up perfectly for a moonbow to make an appearance. It’s not just a matter of luck; it’s like the universe is playing a cosmic game of chance.

• Moon Power: You need a full moon, or as close to it as possible, because that’s when the moon is at its brightest. We’re talking within a couple of nights of the full moon, tops.
• Night Owl Skies: The darker the sky, the better. City lights are the enemy here. Light pollution will wash out a moonbow faster than you can say “astronomical disappointment”.
• Low Rider Moon: The moon needs to be chilling near the horizon, less than 42 degrees up. Think early evening or just before sunrise. If the moon’s too high, the moonbow’s hiding below the horizon.
• Water Works: You absolutely need water droplets hanging in the air on the opposite side of the moon. Rain, mist, waterfall spray – whatever works.
• Atmospheric Zen: Clear skies are your friend. Clouds and pollution? Not so much. They’ll kill the vibe and hide your moonbow.

All these conditions make moonbows seriously elusive. I’ve heard some experts say they pop up maybe 10% as often as regular rainbows. That sounds about right from my experience!

Where’s the Best Place to Hunt for Moonbows?

Alright, so you’re ready to go moonbow hunting? While they’re rare everywhere, some spots are known moonbow hotspots. Waterfalls are your best bet, places where there’s always mist in the air. Here are a few places to start:

• Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, US This place is practically famous for its moonbows. It’s probably the most reliable spot in the Americas.
• Yosemite National Park, California, US Head to Yosemite Falls in the spring. The melting snow creates some awesome moonbow opportunities.
• Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe: This is a bucket-list waterfall, and the moonbows are just epic thanks to all that spray.
• Cloud Forests of Costa Rica: When the Caribbean winds blow the mist inland, keep your eyes peeled!
• Hawaii, US The rainy sides of islands like Kauai and the Big Island can surprise you.
• Skógafoss, Iceland: Imagine a moonbow over a stunning Icelandic waterfall!

What Will You Actually See?

Here’s a little secret: moonbows often look white to the naked eye. The colors are there, but the moonlight is usually too faint for our eyes to pick them up easily. But don’t despair! A long-exposure photo will reveal all those hidden colors.

The Bottom Line

Chasing moonbows takes patience, a bit of planning, and a whole lot of luck. But when you finally see one, it’s an unforgettable experience. So, keep an eye on the sky, know where to look, and get ready to witness something truly magical.