'I'm really chuffed to have seen a snowbow'

Image source, TheBlueJohnChap

Image caption, "Snowbows" have been spotted in numerous locations across the UK, including in Castleton, Derbyshire
  • Author, Chris Waring
  • Role, 成人快手 News, East Midlands

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Walkers across the UK have been sharing stunning images of a rare weather phenomenon, known as a "snowbow".

According to 成人快手 weather presenter Richard Davis, a "snowbow" forms when light is refracted through snowflakes in the air.

Image source, MrsJems

Image caption, This "snowbow" was spotted in Flintshire in Wales

Unlike "snowbows", a rainbow is formed when sunlight is scattered by water droplets - a process known as refraction, in which the light is split into different colours.

A snow rainbow, or snowbow, is very similar. But instead of light being scattered as it shines through water droplets, it is refracted through snowflakes in the air.

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Typically, snowbow colours are muted or faint because snowflakes are much poorer at refraction due to their highly-complex shape.

Snowbows are rare and usually appear at sunrise or sunset when it is snowing.

Image source, Vanessa Wells Holland

Image caption, Vanessa Wells Holland spotted the "snowbow" while on her drive in Ilam

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Vanessa Wells Holland spotted a "snowbow" near Ilam, in Staffordshire, on Tuesday, and said she quickly grabbed her iPhone to take a few photos.

She said: "I was brushing off the drive and there it was, in the sky. Just stunning.

"I'm really chuffed to see such a rare thing."

Image source, Doris

Image caption, A number of people in Derbyshire, including in Tissington, spotted the splendid sight

Image source, RickM

Image caption, However, not everyone was interested in getting a peek of the phenomenon...

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