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APOD: 2026 August 2 – A Fire Rainbow over West Virginia
A photograph of a "fire rainbow," scientifically known as a circumhorizon arc, was captured in West Virginia. It explains the specific atmospheric conditions required for this rare visual phenomenon to occur.
Why it matters
Understanding these requirements helps observers recognize and appreciate rare natural optical events when they appear in the sky.
The details
- The photo was taken in 2021 near West Virginia's North Fork Mountain.
- Sunlight must be at least 58 degrees high for the arc to be visible.
- Horizontal hexagonal ice-crystals in cirrus clouds refract light to create the effect.
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