Rare Phenomenon Captures Attention Online
A video showing what appears to be the "end of a rainbow" touching the ground has gone viral, capturing the imaginations of viewers worldwide. The footage was captured by Wesley Mawer and his 2-year-old son while enjoying a walk near a lake in Ontario, Canada.
A "Mini-Waterspout" Creates a Rainbow's End
The video shows a small "whirlwind" on the water's surface, with a vibrant rainbow seemingly extending towards it and touching the grassy shore. Mawer's video quickly amassed hundreds of thousands of views, sparking discussions and fascination.
Folklore Meets Science
Many viewers attributed the phenomenon to the English idiom "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow," which symbolizes elusive desires. The idiom's origin is rooted in ancient folklore, suggesting that mischievous fairies hid treasures at the rainbow's end, impossible to reach.
However, a scientific explanation was provided by some online users familiar with physics. The mini-whirlwind, known as a waterspout, is formed by warm air rising from the water and cool air descending from above. This creates a swirling column of water droplets, which act as prisms refracting sunlight to produce a rainbow.
A Lucky Encounter
The occurrence of this phenomenon, while scientifically explainable, is considered rare and fortunate. It can be visualized similarly to a garden hose spraying water droplets in sunlight, creating a temporary rainbow effect.
Summary
A father and son in Canada witnessed a rare phenomenonâ€"a small waterspout creating the appearance of a rainbow touching the ground. While the event is explainable by science, the video has captured the public's imagination and sparked discussions about the folklore surrounding the "end of the rainbow." The incident reminds us that even in our modern world, nature continues to surprise and delight us with its unexpected wonders.