SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/rainbow-sun-behind-you

The rain just stopped and you want to spot a rainbow. Where should the sun be?

Behind you, with the rain in front of you.

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The Just Right card

Too littleLook straight at the sun
Too muchWait for the sun to be overhead
Just rightSun at your back, rain ahead

Huh, didn't know that: A full rainbow is a complete circle, but from the ground we usually see only part of it.

The dad joke
What bow can't be tied? A rainbow.
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References

Answer: Behind you. Sunlight goes into raindrops, bounces off the back of each drop and comes out split into colors. That light comes back toward you, so the sun must be behind you.

  1. NOAA NESDIS: What Causes a Rainbow? www.nesdis.noaa.gov/about/k-12-education/optical-phenomena/what-causes-rainbow
    The Sun must be behind you and the clouds cleared away from the Sun for the rainbow to appear.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

How Things WorkDoes lightning ever strike the same place twice?How Things WorkYou're inside a hard-topped car in a lightning storm. What protects you?How Things WorkYou see lightning, then count 10 seconds until thunder. About how far away was it?

That's stuff everyone should know.