5th Order Rainbow Discovery Image







Harald Edens photographed it on August 8, 2012. This is the first ever image on which the 5th order rainbow is positively identified. The version at left is considerably enhanced. Mouse over it to compare it with Harald's RAW camera image.



The primary rainbow is at right. At far left is the outer secondary rainbow seen during strong showers when the primary is particularly intense. Between them is an area of dark sky,



There lies part of the fabled



Harald took this from the



Harald has now photographed the 5th order several times. He ascribes his success to the very bright rainbows formed locally from small thunderstorms and to the exceptionally clear high altitude low density air. Astute observation over many years by an atmospheric optics expert also helps somewhat! The familiar primary and secondary rainbows have been known since there were eyes. The long sought 3rd and 4th order rainbows were finally imaged in 2011. Now we have the 5th order.photographed it on August 8, 2012. This is the first ever image on which the 5th order rainbow is positively identified.The primary rainbow is at right. At far left is the outer secondary rainbow seen during strong showers when the primary is particularly intense. Between them is an area of dark sky, Alexanders dark band , where there is no primary or secondary rainbow light.There lies part of the fabled quinary or 5th order rainbow made by sunlight reflected five times inside raindrops. We see only its broad greens tending to blue towards the primary bow. Its yellows and reds are hidden behind the secondary bow.Harald took this from the Langmuir Laboratory for atmospheric research near the 10,800ft summit of South Baldy Peak, New Mexico, USA.Harald has now photographed the 5th order several times. He ascribes his success to the very bright rainbows formed locally from small thunderstorms and to the exceptionally clear high altitude low density air. Astute observation over many years by an atmospheric optics expert also helps somewhat! All images ©Harald Edens, shown with permission