Moonbows are similar to regular rainbows but occur at night using moonlight instead of sunlight. They appear when moonlight reflects and refracts through water droplets in the air, just like daytime rainbows with sunlight.
Key differences include:
- Moonbows appear much fainter due to lower light intensity
- They often appear white to the human eye, though cameras can capture their colors
- They require specific conditions: bright full or near-full moon, clear sky, and water droplets
- They’re typically visible opposite the moon when it’s low in the sky
Best viewing locations include areas near waterfalls or during light rain on clear nights with a bright moon.