Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains Rainbows

Is there really a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? On this explainer, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice break down the science behind rainbows.
We dive into what makes a rainbow and even double rainbows. Discover what Isaac Newton wrote about in his book of “Opticks”. How did people think vision worked? We discuss a simple experiment you can do with the visual light spectrum at home. How does sunlight interacting with raindrops create a rainbow? What is the end of the rainbow? Is there anything over it? Find out how every rainbow is your own personal rainbow from your personal astrophysicist.
Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): amzn.to/3dYIEQF
Support us on Patreon: / startalkradio
FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk:
Twitter: / startalkradio
Facebook: / startalk
Instagram: / startalk
About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson
0:00 - Introduction
0:14 - Isaac Newton’s Discovery Of The Light Spectrum
3:43 - What Creates A Rainbow?
5:32 - Your Personal Rainbow
7:48 - Can You Reach The End Of A Rainbow?
8:55 - Double Rainbows
10:55 - Words on Wonder
11:31 - Closing Notes

[@StarTalk]

Have you ever seen a double rainbow?

[@kittiruffle4488]

Twice in about 20 years.

[@julianh9347]

I've seen in fact a triple rainbow about 2 years ago and almost regularly can see some double rainbows here during summer rains.

[@AdamDeBeers]

I saw circle rainbow, twice, I cant confirm it had all the colors, because I am colorblind.

[@klaxoncow]

Yes. It was all over the sky. What does it mean?

[@kenqb5450]

Yes. Sun Dogs are pretty common during the winter.

[@jaminboy]

"Reserve your sense of wonder for things for which we still do not understand and not towards things that are already completely understood. There will always be a moving frontier of science, where our area of knowledge grows, so to does the perimeter of our ignorance." I love this.

[@kutongwa.nemoyo]

From TheOne & Only

[@mistral-unizion-music]

It's one brillant quote indeed!

[@MrSean03839]

Explains why the more we know the less we know!

[@vaishnavplays203]

"Perimeter of ignorance" thats deep...

[@tavanweerd]

Wow profound it gave me a little tingle on the top of my head gave me a smile.... that's why he's the Doctor...who? LoL no... he's the real one.

[@likesowls52]

OMG, this is one of the funniest and yet informative Star Talk explainers!

[@StarTalk]

Was thinking the same!

[@FuManJuw]

Dear lord Chuck. That was hilarious 😂 I could definitely see that being a Key and Peele type sketch.

[@carolynblakeney966]

OK you worked Isaac Newton, Martin Luther King Jr., Pink Floyd, and Ibn al-Haytham all into the same discussion. Respect, ya'll. 🤜🤛

[@ShadoryKaine]

AND CYCLOPS! truly respect covering all forms of knowledge

[@StarTalk]

Real has to recognize real..

[@mlungisimokhethi6958]

Work should be this fun. I support.

[@brokenstreetlights]

@@HopDavid keep hating clown 🤡 every comment you post are all hatred comments, if you don't like this channel, then why the f are you even here? get lost u troll

[@katicabogar24]

Gotta love Lord Nice’s moments of discovery. His face just ligths up.

[@merkga]

Easily one of my favorite parts of the show... 👍

[@StarTalk]

A beautiful moment.

[@SerDunk]

Chuck Nice never fails to make me smile & laugh 🤣😊 Love this podcast

[@LiminalMan777]

Totally unrelated...but cool name love me Dunk and Egg tales

[@StarTalk]

Love your support!

[@kraka2oanIner]

A G R E E D ! :-)

[@mattevans-koch9353]

I have seen several double rainbows in my life and never looked close enough to realize that the second rainbow was the mirror of the first. Too much awe, not enough science. Thank you gentlemen.

[@tmeyer2022]

Several times, I have seen double rainbows that caused me to question how that happens. See my reply above. The secondary rainbow is actually not a mirror image, but a seperate second rainbow. Someday, I hope a question about double rainbows comes up while playing a "Trivia" game - - - I'll nail that one for sure! 😀

[@StarTalk]

Next time you’ll look closer!

[@barberchopin96]

Saaame, I've never checked the color order!!

[@EM-qx3hx]

I was moved to tears and laughter to see these two making such profound statements disguised as jokes, while laughing themselves to pieces about it! Thank you, the intro to this video will stay with me forever

[@pizzapozz7733]

Which profound statements?

[@YAMAHA_FAN.]

Mr chuck you are now at proper professor level 👌, You are catching up neil so brilliantly And its was a another Beautiful show

[@ScientificReview]

Prof. Dr. Chuck!

[@StarTalk]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@edcampbell9205]

I agree!!

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

his mlk is ON !

[@TrondBrgeKrokli]

I am so glad that Chuck made those jokes, because I would not have the nerve to begin to form such suggestions about skin color. I was shocked and besides myself of laughter at the same time. 😂😆😄

[@midnightgir6]

This is why I love Chuck being on the show. He always adds the best jokes.

[@xdragon2k]

The only problem with that joke is that black will never be white... since it's just an absence of light.

[@AsobiMedio]

@@xdragon2k Except they aren't black, they're dark brown at most, so it still counts. The only true black is in a black hole's event horizon.

[@joemiller8482]

Right. . . .

[@rachelalucard9641]

@@AsobiMedio I like to think of brown as dark orange. And orange is indeed part of that white light.

[@Drahko12]

That 2 minute opening with Chuck was funny 😆 so good to always have him in the show

[@kittiruffle4488]

"There will always be a moving frontier of science, where our area of knowledge grows, so too does the perimeter of our ignorance, leaving us with no end of this universe to stand in wonder as we gaze." Neil deGrasse Tyson. WOW! That's so deep! I am spreading this quote EVERYWHERE!

[@witchdoctor6502]

I've seen double rainbow couple times, but never realized the other one has colors in different order... now I hope I won't forget this for the next time.

[@StarTalk]

Glad we’ve given you something to look for!

[@xome9694]

Neil. You are a true treasure of the world. Thank you for being you.

[@mathew00]

I agree with this 100%!

[@MD-nf5rr]

I cant tell you guys how much I love this channel. Not only are you guys a great tandem, but you manage to hone in on topics that may otherwise be foggy or only slightly understood by MANY MANY people. You do us a great service, and I hope to continue to watch every video you put out for years to come. Here's to StarTalk, lightyears ahead of the curve.

[@guillaumedescavernes5111]

I never noticed that double rainbows have inversed colors!!!... Knowledge and laughter as always, thank you both for that!

[@toby9999]

Same, I'll be taking more notice next time I see a double rainbow.

[@tmeyer2022]

I have seen Double rainbows several times, although the secondary rainbow tends to be somewhat weaker in magnatude. The primary rainbow happens when light enters the top of a suspended water droplet, is reflected off the internal water surface and then refracted on exit. That happens when the sun (light source) is in a range of 40.7 and 42.4 degrees behind and above the viewer. A secondary rainbow can occur when light enters the bottom of the water dropplet, is twice (2 times) reflected off the internal water surfaces and then refracted on exit. That happens when the sun (light source) is in a range of 50.4 and 53.5 degrees behind and above the viewer. This secondary rainbow is not a mirror image of the primary, but an actual second seperate rainbow. There is also a slightly darker band of sky between the primary and sceondary rainbows called Alexander's Band (named after an ancient Greek philosopher, Alexander of Aphrodisias who first described it.) Someday, I hope a question about double rainbows comes up while playing a "Trivia" game - - - I'll nail that one for sure! 😀

[@teruphoto]

1:48 omg...the unbridled laughter from that "sensitive" joke was a beautiful thing to experience

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

As kids we tried to find the end of the rainbow by using two way handheld radios, the one seeing the rainbow directing the other.

[@lanesumers5080]

That line about reserving wonder for things we don't yet understand... I freaking LOVE this show and both of you!

[@Fredseilah]

I always come for Neil, but this time Chuck was outstanding!

[@CraigCail]

That quote at the end and they way you said it was just amazing! You're amazing!

[@RojanskiTV]

this video is a prime example as in why we need Chuck in EVERY VIDEO…!!!

[@merkga]

At 1:33 starts Chucks best joke on Startalk so far... Most definitely staying in my top 3 best jokes list. 🖖🖖🖖 I seriously just love watching these two friends laughing together...

[@meliferra1913]

Awesome. Thanks for this deep message. It's personal to each individual.

[@paranjanbarua2516]

For two reasons I watch this vdo: 1. Entertaining 2. The best joke ever in Startalk

[@AceSpadeThePikachu]

I'd like to see a follow-up to this that goes into how different wavelengths of light get bent differently by refracting mediums like water or glass, thus allowing rainbows to exist at all.

[@hitomi7922]

Sounds like you might already know the answer/concept

[@AceSpadeThePikachu]

@@hitomi7922 I know some of it, like how the shorter the wavelength is the more it bends, but I'm interested to know on the quantum level why shorter wavelengths bend more, and why the shape of the transparent material matters.

[@MrLuisMartins666]

I loved the way you took a scientific discovery to a sociological conclusion. Science, not being in itself, a vehicle of morality or ethics, produces results that, by logic, lead to moral and ethical conclusions. An educated person is a better person.

[@Voice1414]

Can't stop watching these, such a nice duo! Thanks for the learning and laughter!

[@StarTalk]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidschmidt5507]

Just buddies talkin about science. More of this. Always nice to see

[@klaxoncow]

Indeed, if you look at Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album cover, the front has the white light being split into the colours of the rainbow... ...but, on the back side of the album, it has the colours of the rainbow being merged back together, with an upside-down prism, into white light. Like, the album cover - both sides - is a tribute to Isaac Newton's experiment. It's not just the prism breaking the white light into a rainbow - which everyone recognises as the front cover - but turn it over and look at the back cover, and it's in reverse. So it's not just arguably the best-looking album cover of all-time, but if you look at both sides, it's actually totally a reference to Newton's experiment, because it does the recombination of the colours back into white light again on the back. It doesn't just look cool, it's actually a history / science reference as well. Pink Floyd are science nerds. Who knew?

[@TheFaarf]

Did not know about the backside of that album, that's very cool!

[@asquare9316]

Yes they were. I noticed that right when I got the album back in 73. I had just completed 2 years of physics. If similar artwork was done today, I feel like the science wouldn't be correct, except if it was done by one of my (former) students.

[@CUBOSH]

i noticed when i was a kid that the lawn sprinklers generating a mist of water in the sun shows a bit of a rainbow, and the moment you move, so too does that rainbow. its just the same thing for giant ones. (rather it would be more accurate to say, there is a pre-existing straight-on rainbow to be seen at all vantages, but your movement _passes you through_ the vantages)

[@infinatep1mp737]

Such enthusiasm from Chuck. You can't fake that. Great job Chuck! I know how you feel

[@joaum2009]

This is the best format to understand science basics thanks

[@core4090]

i got chills and almost shed a tear thank you neil. great video 11:01

[@asef]

Both of their energy is inspiring! 🙂

[@StarTalk]

Thank you for the Super Thanks!

[@ADergal96]

What a fantastic video. Thank you for all the information and inspiration!

[@quetzalcoatl974]

Loved the explination

[@caseymichel1113]

Chucks best joke of all time. I’ve watched every single video lol

[@Blue_3rd]

I recently saw my first halo rainbow around the sun. What a beautiful sight, caused by ice particles in clouds.

[@jimr9499]

Lmao!!! Chuck's "I Have A Dream" speech made me laugh out loud so hard!

[@amandas.6500]

Great info, you two are so entertaining!

[@ruibaeta2789]

Hey Neil and Chuck, thanks for another great video. I have a few small questions: 1. If the light reflects inside the raindrops and then comes out at a specific angle, how do they form such a beautiful arc? When light passes through the prism it does not form an arc... 2. Is this arc always the same curvature everywhere? 3. And when we are moving, for example on the road, why does it feel like the rainbow is moving alongside us? Thank you again!

[@AnthonyRisker]

I almost spit my drink all over my keyboard when chuck did that speech.

[@Heidern98]

2 minutes in and I couldn't breath. Literally the most brilliant silliness I have ever heard. Hilarious and genius.

[@sediasnailzz3943]

I love the poem at the end Neil 😍❤️

[@pizzapozz7733]

Very informative video, light is always interesting.

[@Amethyst_Dragon_]

Wow this was my all time favorite video of Neil and Chuck.. Chuck is awesome.!! I learned so much .. Thank you..

[@StarTalk]

Thank YOU for this kind comment! :)

[@premierproperties240]

I never knew I could be overwhelmed with learning about rainbows

[@TomBauto]

Chuck damn it! I almost fall off my chair laughing so hard! I love this episode full of colors.

[@Spacecowboy1101]

Thanks for educating and entertaining us, especially in these dark 🌑 and anxious times guys

[@davidevans3227]

this is a really good one thankyou 🙂 x

[@Lancer-6]

11:01 the best set of words i heard in 2022 so far.

[@photogeNK]

Chuck just losing it over his own joke is the best part, after Neil's laughter!

[@talkingwhiskey1507]

Best star talk yet!

[@craigwilliams9154]

I love this episode on so many levels!

[@tavanweerd]

Wonderfully mindblown it gave me a tingle... the Doc cracks me up & give's me a smile every time. stoner star talk? I'm all about it

[@Odin029]

Chuck almost made me choke on the candy I was chewing. This video needs a warning for real.

[@mikeplasse]

Would be cool if you were eating Skittles

[@hermitfan109]

Thanks for sharing

[@perperikis5501]

That was one of the best. So brilliantly simple and educative, and so funny at the same time.

[@StarTalk]

Glad to hear you say it!

[@dennypetrosian8589]

Every single video you guys share blows my mind in ways I could not have imagined. Which goes hand in hand with what you previously recommended for eager individuals, Dr.Neil. To have your mind blown at least once each day, and I have you guys to thank for that! Truly appreciate it.

[@bunnykiller]

about 20 yrs ago my wife and I saw a triple complete circular set of rainbows in new orleans after one of their famous summer rain storms... as mentioned, the 2 outer rainbows were faint but still visable.

[@HughJass-jv2lt]

I have *Double Rainbow* on video... But never seen a full circle one ☀️☀️

[@JamesOfEarth]

Two strange rainbow phenomena I’ve observed, both on Maui: Driving into a rainbow and being fully immersed in color, however very briefly. Naturally, It wasn’t visible at all from the back side following that brief moment. A full color, full ring around a full moon. I’ve seen many white rings, but only the one full spectrum ring. Talking with locals in the days following, most said it was very rare thing to see. Both of these were about halfway up Haleakala near Makawao.

[@joshualevine8345]

I love that when Chuck gets it, he explains it back like a pastor getting to the high point in his sermon. Waiting for him to slap the podium/lecturn. 😂

[@AnalogX64]

Amazing the amount of quality knowledge/content that you guys talk about weekly :) it is very much appreciated.

[@Gemaalig]

Best StarTalk video, never gonna be topped. Period. AND my new favorite joke forever!! It was funny, clever, educational and poetic. CN ❤

[@josephsantoro5682]

😆Funniest StarTalk ever! I love Chuck!

[@Planetsumit]

Chuck has the best job in the world.

[@RDEnduro]

Great Episode! Happy to be here with Neal and Chuck. Lets keep it going! Double Rainbows for everyone also Chuck lmaooo hahaa

[@ericgerena5389]

YOU TWO ARE AN ABSOLUTE UNIT HAHAH I’m only 3 minutes in and I’m cracking up at work. Dying to meet the both of you in person!

[@BState]

If you like the Zkittlez... you'll fall in love with the following: 1. Runtz Muffin 2. Mimoza Evo 3. Forbidden runtz ;-)

[@zaharo1990]

Lets make these explainers at least 20-30 minutes. They are fascinating.

[@toyfreaks]

Chuck is KILLIN it in this episode! Some Richard Pryor level in here.

[@SonuSingh-sn8qg]

Never stop to amaze me

[@ramyeladli]

Great explainer :) Can you have another explainer for why rainbows appear in particular shapes, such as circles or semi-circles?

[@abedt1702]

Love these guys

[@pennyshelley2515]

This gives me so much joy! I love when they laugh

[@ValkyrieLightwing]

Chuck's delivery of that "We're allllll white" line kills me every time 🤣 I laughed at work and just had to see the video of that conversation

[@sosheeanand3537]

Best lecture on double rainbow by Walter Lewin which no one should miss

[@LOTUSELISE340R]

Chuck Nice T. brewing up some laughter as always!

[@tavanweerd]

I have watched this 3 times today it's so great makes me smile. Damn it we need more of that.

[@ethanvalentine4299]

Oooo i have seen a triple rainbow!! And in all the double rainbows I never noticed the pattern was different! That is so cool.

[@gregtapevideo1464]

I remember making rainbows with the garden hose when I was a kid! Great video guys!!!

[@squeezey6022]

You guys are the best

[@mrgreenfull3897]

Daamn man, we have the same photo 😁

[@0141amit]

There is nice video on this by Walter Lewin sir...

[@Bull1the1Great]

This was mind-blowing

[@peggywoods4327]

When Chuck and Neil break into their 8-year-old-boy giggle fits it's infectious! Today's was a dang epidemic

[@jondavismartens8247]

Dude watching this content just makes me happy. Neil as a person Is my antidepressant

[@peterlo2119]

Chuck nearly killed me with the white light joke 😂. Thanks, gentlemen

[@tmwolf100]

King's speech got me rolling on the ground

[@phillyjawnlolo089]

I never realized you couldn't ever see a rainbow at an angle 😳 you're truly never too old to learn something new.

[@waynehays2558]

Yes, I've seen many double rainbows.! I love rainbows. They're beautiful and also symbols of beautiful, beneficial promises that will never be broken. That's a great thing to be symbolic of. Have a great day, Neil, Chuck, and Gary, and all.

[@MrLee43]

"It's just physics" should be the next Startalk T-shirt design you all make. I'll be your first customer

[@wandarask8444]

I love this man so much along with Jordan Peterson, Matt, and Ben Shapiro, Thankyou you God for these men . Love Australia

[@kaceesavage]

This was the best one yet! 😂

[@chris14091975]

this is a great video

[@Pacman420]

I once saw a rainbow over one of the Great Lakes as a child (I believe we were at Lake Ontario or Erie that day), and swam about 20 mins straight to try to get to it… had to give up and go back lol.

[@glenncurry3041]

"every rainbow actually was made just for me". I was explaining this to my partner. She asked about those she's seen in pictures!

[@meta.aesthetica]

I found he gold at the end of the rainbow thanks to you guys. Based on what you're saying, the gold has been inside of me all along. A beautiful meld of science and philosophy.