What is the "perfect" environment for a rainbow?

Question

I know, I know - RAIN.....

But there's got to be more than that!

My 4 year old daughter wants to know what a real rainbow looks like. Since it has rained every day for the last 6 days, I figured it would be easy to find a rainbow somewhere - we have gone 'rainbow hunting' every day with no luck. We've even gone to a school playground & climbed to the top of the highest slide to get a 360 view - and we haven't found one yet.

We've gone while it's still raining, when the storm passes & the sun is shining through the clouds, we've even gone out right before it rains when the humidity is at it's peak - and not a rainbow in sight....

So, original question - what is the perfect environment for a rainbow?

Answer 1

Not really sure the exact requirements besides sun and rain.  Just look opposite of where the sun is shining, and you're bound to see one.

Answer 2

To see a rainbow the sun must be directly behind you and the rain in front of you.

Answer 3

drizzle followed by sunlight...bound to have...

Answer 4

Based on my experiences, I would have to say that the perfect environment or scenario for a rainbow is this. First off, be in area where there is fairly intense rainfall, such as typical rain showers. Secondly, be at the edge of the clouds, so that the sunlight is aimed at the rain drops. Rainbows are caused by the refraction (bending) of sunlight by raindrops. All of the colors of the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum are separated based upon their frequency. Direct sunlight is necessary for the formation of rainbows.