A rainbow is like a giant, colorful smile that appears in the sky! It's one of nature's most beautiful surprises, full of bright, happy colors.
What is a Rainbow?
A rainbow is a beautiful multicolored arc, or curved line, that you can see up high in the sky. Think of it like a big, colorful bridge made of light!
How Does a Rainbow Appear?
Rainbows usually pop up after it rains, when the sun comes out to play. They form when the Sun's rays shine through tiny raindrops that are still floating in the air. Each little raindrop acts like a tiny prism, splitting the sunlight into all the colors we see.
The Colors of the Rainbow
A rainbow always has the same special order of colors! Can you name them?
| Color | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Red | Like a juicy strawberry |
| Orange | Like a yummy carrot |
| Yellow | Like a bright banana |
| Green | Like fresh green grass |
| Blue | Like the big, clear sky |
| Indigo | Like deep blue jeans |
| Violet | Like a pretty purple grape |
This order of colors is easy to remember with a fun phrase like "ROY G. BIV"!
When Can You See a Rainbow?
You'll often spot a rainbow after a rain shower, especially when the sun is shining at the same time. Rainbows appear in the part of the sky opposite the Sun, so if the sun is behind you, you might see a rainbow in front! They are usually easiest to see in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky.
Fun Rainbow Activities!
- Go Rainbow Hunting: After it rains, look out your window or go outside with a grown-up to see if you can spot a real rainbow!
- Draw a Rainbow: Get your crayons or paint and draw your own colorful rainbow. Make sure to use all the right colors in order!
- Learn More: You can learn even more about rainbows and other cool things in space and on Earth by visiting fun science websites for kids, like NASA Space Place!
- Make Your Own Rainbow: Sometimes, you can make a tiny rainbow at home! Try spraying a fine mist of water from a hose on a sunny day and look for the colors.
Rainbows are a magical reminder of how amazing nature is!
