NASA Captures Stunning 'Fire Rainbow' Over West Virginia
NASA Captures Stunning 'Fire Rainbow' Over West Virginia
US · Published Aug 2, 2026
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) for August 2, 2026, features a rare and stunning phenomenon known as a 'fire rainbow' observed over West Virginia.
This optical phenomenon, also called a circumhorizontal arc, occurs when sunlight passes through ice crystals in cirrus clouds at high altitudes, creating a spectrum of colors that resemble a rainbow.

Impact & Risks

The 'fire rainbow' is a rare and visually striking phenomenon that captivates both scientists and the general public. While it poses no risks, its occurrence highlights the intricate interplay of atmospheric conditions required to produce such optical effects. Events like these can inspire interest in atmospheric sciences and astronomy, encouraging further exploration of natural phenomena. However, the rarity of such events means that they are often missed by the general population.

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