A Celestial Spectacle: The Night Rainbow in the Sky at Vermillion Lakes, Banff
Deep within the heart of Banff National Park, a rare and breathtaking phenomenon can be witnessed on a clear, cloudless night – a night rainbow in the sky. This enchanting display of color and light is a sight to behold, and one that will leave even the most seasoned traveler in awe.
Located in the Canadian Rockies, Vermillion Lakes is a popular hiking destination, known for its turquoise colored lakes, abundant wildlife, and stunning mountain vistas. But it’s on a clear, dark sky night that the area truly comes alive, as the stars align to create a breathtaking display of color in the sky – a night rainbow.
The Science Behind the Phenomenon
A night rainbow, also known as a "moonbow," is a rare atmospheric phenomenon that occurs when the moon is full and is shining brightly in the sky. Unlike its daytime counterpart, a solar rainbow, which is caused by the sun’s rays refracting through water droplets in the air, a moonbow is created when the moon’s light is refracted through tiny particles in the atmosphere, such as mist, fog, or clouds.
In the case of Vermillion Lakes, the perfect conditions come together when a full moon is shining brightly in the sky and is being reflected off the lakes’ calm, smooth surface. The resulting beam of light, now refracted through the tiny droplets of water suspended in the air, creates the vibrant colors of the night rainbow.
Witnessing the Spectacle
As the sun dips below the horizon and the stars begin to twinkle in the sky, visitors to Vermillion Lakes can start to make their way to one of the many viewing areas, such as the Vermillion Lakes parking lot or the shores of the lake itself. As the moon rises, casting its silvery glow over the landscape, the sky begins to transform into a canvas of color.
The colors of the night rainbow are often less vibrant than their daytime counterpart, but the subtle hues of orange, pink, and purple still manage to create a breathtaking display. The long, lean shape of the moonbow stretches across the sky, stretching from the moon to the surrounding peaks, creating an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere.
Tips for Viewing the Night Rainbow
- Timing is Everything: The best time to view the night rainbow is on a clear, cloudless night when the moon is full and is shining brightly in the sky.
- Location, Location, Location: Find a spot with a clear view of the moon’s reflection in the lake, as this will amplify the colors and clarity of the night rainbow.
- Patience is a Virtue: Be prepared to wait for the moon to rise and the sky to darken, as the night rainbow is a fleeting phenomenon.
- Dress Warmly: It can get chilly in the mountains at night, so dress warmly and bring a flashlight to navigate the dark surroundings.
As the night rainbow begins to fade, visitors to Vermillion Lakes are left with a sense of wonder and awe, grateful for the chance to experience this rare and magical phenomenon. It is a reminder that even on the darkest of nights, there is still beauty to be found, and that the Canadian Rockies can truly be a place of enchantment and wonder.
Download image Night rainbow in the sky. Vermillion Lakes Banff. [OC] [1500×1200] by 5impl3jack