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we're all a little gay inside (mander.xyz)
submitted 5 months ago by to c/science_memes@mander.xyz
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[–] 6 points 5 months ago (1 child)

But why is it at that distance specifically? Can I get closer to a rainbow and see it become bigger? Why is there a 42° angle in the picture?

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  • [–] 12 points 5 months ago* (1 child)

    That's the angle at which light is reflected by water droplets. The drawing is incorrect in that the cone is horizontal while the light appears to come from a higher angle. The cone is always directly opposite to the direction of the light source. Here's a better drawing, with more reading about what exactly is going on.

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