When seen from an airplane, a rainbow sometimes forms a complete circle. When this happens, the plane's shadow is
A) in the lower part of the rainbow.
B) in the center of the rainbow.
C) in the upper part of the rainbow.
D) totally outside the rainbow.
E) nowhere, for there is no shadow.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When observed from an airplane, a rainbow can form a complete circle due to the observer's elevated viewpoint. The plane's shadow appears in the center of this circular rainbow because the rainbow is centered on the antisolar point, which is directly opposite the sun from the observer's perspective. This point is also where the shadow of the plane falls, making it appear in the center of the circular rainbow.

When Seen from an Airplane, a Rainbow Sometimes Forms a Complete