Home / Editor's Pick /

Can you reach the end of a rainbow?

07:00
23 January 2022

Weather myths
Can you reach the end of a rainbow?

Many a myth has been told regarding rainbows, but none as far-spread as the pot of gold at the end of the trail… So how do you reach that pot?

Well, you can’t. Before we look at the myth, we need to understand how rainbows actually form.

As a rainbow is simply a form of optical illusion, as you move around where light is reflected by the rain the view also changes.

No matter how, or where, you move the rainbow will always move further away making that pot of gold forever unattainable.

More on the topic
Thursday 25 September 2025

Cloudy week

Understanding clouds on the WeatherRadar
Stonehenge at sunset
Monday 22 September 2025

September equinox

It is officially (astronomical) autumn!
The weather map shows a cold front stretching from France to Scandinavia, with lower temperatures in the west. Eastern and southern Europe will remain very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees.
Friday 19 September 2025

Weekend weather

Large temperature contrasts in Europe
All weather news
This might also interest you
Sunday 17 August 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Summer shots from a warm week
Monday 25 August 2025

Bank holiday outlook

Warm day turning gusty in places
Friday 22 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Sunny start for some, overcast later
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement