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Rainbow optics, historical artwork
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Rainbow optics, historical artwork
Formation of a rainbow, coloured historical artwork. The diagram shows the paths of two beams of light from the Sun (top left corner). These are refracted and reflected within two raindrops (at the top of the rainbow). It is shown that red light is reflected back at an angle of 42 degrees to the incident ray, while violet light is reflected back at an angle of 40 degrees. The violet component of the light reflected from the top raindrop is shown passing over the observers head (lower left). Instead, violet is seen from the raindrop (and thus the region of sky) below the one from which red is seen. This illustration was published in The Atmosphere by Camille Flammarion, in 1873
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Media ID 6431245
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1873 Angle Angles Camille Flammarion Country Side History Of Science Meteorological Meteorology Observing Optics Rain Bow Reflecting Reflection Refracting Refraction The Atmosphere Weather False Coloured Physical
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This print showcases a mesmerizing historical artwork titled "Rainbow Optics". Created in the 19th century by Camille Flammarion, this colored illustration beautifully depicts the formation of a rainbow and provides valuable insights into the physics of light. The diagram within the artwork illustrates two beams of sunlight entering raindrops from the top left corner. As these rays pass through, they undergo refraction and reflection, resulting in a stunning display of colors. The red light is reflected back at an angle of 42 degrees to its incident ray, while violet light takes on a slightly different path with an angle of 40 degrees. Interestingly, this illustration also reveals an intriguing phenomenon related to observing rainbows. While we might expect to see violet light above red in the sky, it is actually seen below due to complex optical interactions within multiple raindrops. Published in 1873 as part of Flammarion's book "The Atmosphere" this artwork represents a significant contribution to meteorology and our understanding of optics during that era. Its intricate details and vibrant colors make it both visually appealing and scientifically informative. This remarkable piece serves as a reminder that even centuries ago, scientists like Flammarion were unweaving nature's mysteries using their artistic talents combined with their deep knowledge of physics and meteorology.
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