Piauí: Vídeo Captures Rare "Fire Rainbow" Phenomenon
A stunning video has emerged from Piauí, Brazil, showcasing a rare and captivating natural phenomenon: the "fire rainbow." This vibrant display of color, which is not a true rainbow, captivated viewers and sparked curiosity about this fascinating atmospheric event.
What is a "Fire Rainbow?"
While the term "fire rainbow" is catchy, it's a bit misleading. This phenomenon is actually a circumhorizontal arc, a type of halo effect caused by the refraction and reflection of sunlight through ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds.
Here's what makes it so special:
- Sunlight needs to be at a specific angle (58 degrees above the horizon). This is why fire rainbows are most commonly seen during the summer months in the afternoon.
- The ice crystals in the clouds must be plate-shaped and horizontally aligned. This allows for the proper refraction and dispersion of light, creating the colorful arc.
The Piauí Video
The video, which quickly gained attention online, shows a vibrant, horizontal arc of colors stretching across the sky. The intense red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet hues create a truly breathtaking sight.
The video, captured in Piauí, highlights the region's unique natural beauty and its potential to attract tourists interested in witnessing rare atmospheric phenomena.
Witnessing a Fire Rainbow
While fire rainbows are relatively rare, they can occur anywhere in the world under the right conditions.
To increase your chances of seeing one, remember:
- Look for high-altitude cirrus clouds.
- Observe the sun's position in the sky. It needs to be high enough (58 degrees above the horizon).
- Be patient. Fire rainbows can appear and disappear quickly.
Next time you see a beautiful sky, keep your eyes peeled for this mesmerizing phenomenon. You might be lucky enough to witness a "fire rainbow" in all its glory!