A fogbow is a rare optical illusion that appears as a white arch in foggy conditions. Unlike a rainbow, its colors are muted due to tiny water droplets. This phenomenon, also known as a mistbow, is rarer than a rainbow and requires precise alignment of the sun, fog, and observer.
What Is a Fogbow and How Does It Form?
A fogbow is visible when the sun (or moon) is behind you and a dense but not too thick fog lies ahead. The light rays hit the water droplets, bending and reflecting back toward your eyes. The droplets in fog are much smaller than raindrops, which disperses light less and produces a faint white or pale blue arch.
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Key Conditions for Seeing a Fogbow
- Sun or moon behind you
- Fog layer directly in front
- Fog density must be just right – not too thin, not too thick
- Low angle of the sun (early morning or late afternoon)
Fogbow vs. Rainbow: A Comparison
| Feature | Fogbow | Rainbow |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White or pale blue arch | Full spectrum of colors |
| Water drop size | Small (<0.05 mm) | Large (0.5–5 mm) |
| Rarity | Rarer, needs specific fog conditions | More common after rain |
| Formation | Refraction and reflection through fog droplets | Refraction and reflection through raindrops |
Where and When Can You See a Fogbow in Australia?
Fogbows are most common in south-east Australia during autumn and winter, especially early mornings when radiation fog forms. The outback region of New South Wales, like Cobar, often experiences these conditions. To maximize your chances, look toward a fog bank with the sun at your back.
Key Takeaways
- A fogbow is a white rainbow caused by tiny fog droplets
- It requires perfect alignment of sun, observer, and fog
- Far less common than ordinary rainbows
- Best viewed in Australia’s southeast during cool months
FAQ
Can you see a fogbow at night?
Yes, a moonbow – the lunar version of a fogbow – can occur when moonlight reflects off fog droplets. It appears as a faint white or gray arch.
Why is a fogbow white instead of colorful?
Fog droplets are much smaller than raindrops. They cause less separation of white light into colors, so the arch appears white or very pale blue.
How rare is a fogbow compared to a rainbow?
Fogbows are much rarer because they require specific fog density, solar angle, and observer alignment. Rainbows occur more frequently after rain showers.
Next time you see a foggy morning, turn your back to the sun and look for the elusive white arch – you might just witness a fogbow.
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