12 Comments
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JB's avatar

Wow! Great observational skills. And the first I've heard of this phenomena. Thanks for a new thing to ponder.

Kieran Dodds's avatar

Thanks JB, new wonders to see in our world! It was a first for me.

Felicity Martin's avatar

Fascinating. You've encouraged me to look more carefully when I see a rainbow.

Felicity Martin's avatar

I've just read the Smithsonian article too now and thoroughly enjoyed it. In 2005 I spent six weeks exploring the Orkney islands (or at least all accessible by public transport) for a walks guidebook, so the piece brought back many memories.

Kieran Dodds's avatar

It’s a great article. What an opportunity to travel the islands for that length of time! You must have seen beautiful light.

Felicity Martin's avatar

Yes, though there was plenty of dreich weather. The light combined with landscape to create an enormous sense of space. I felt that particularly on the promontories of Sanday (an island that is all arms and legs) where dazzling white sand bordered a turquoise sea. Also at the north tip of North Ronaldsay, where I seemed to be on the edge of the world.

Kieran Dodds's avatar

Haha. Rain makes for rainbows, sometimes. North Ron is amazing. I spent some time there working at the bird observatory and was in awe of Sanday on the flight over.

Lynsey's avatar

I’m in such awe of these photographs! They are amazing and your story just brings them more to life. Also very interesting to learn the science behind the phenomenon! Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

Kieran Dodds's avatar

Thank you for saying this Lynsey, its an amazing place

Geraldine Snape's avatar

Wonderful..thankyou

Gilbert Lennox's avatar

Brilliant, in both senses of the word!

Neil Scott's avatar

Remarkable!