Moonbow
- “are moonbows real”
- “why do moonbows look white”
- “lunar rainbow explained”
- “where can I see a moonbow”
:: COMPARE ::
MoonbowvsRainbow
The short answer
Identical optics, roughly 400,000 times less light. The only real difference is intensity — and intensity is exactly what determines whether your eye uses colour-blind rods or colour-sensitive cones. The physics doesn't change; your retina does.
Side by side
| Aspect | Moonbow | Rainbow |
|---|---|---|
| Light source | Moon | Sun |
| Colours present | Yes | Yes |
| Colours visible | No | Yes |
| Seen with | Rods | Cones |
Which one you meant
Readers who land here meaning Moonbow rather than Rainbow are usually searching for phrases like “are moonbows real”, “why do moonbows look white”, “lunar rainbow explained”.
Read either one in full