The end of a rainbow cannot be found because techically there isn't an end to a rainbow. Water dropets in the air act like a prism. When the angle between the sun, the water droplets in the air, and your eyes is just right; a rainbow is formed. However, that is relative to where you are standing. If you move, the angle between your eyes, the water in the air and the sun changes and so does the "end of the rainbow." So, you could have 100 people standing in different places and they could all see a rainbow but the end would appear to be in a different place to each person.

You can replicate this effect on a sunny day with a water hose. If you spray the water into the air so it's a fine mist, you should be able to see a small rainbow if the angle is right. Obviously if you move very far and the rainbow's end will "appear" to be in a different place.

Learn more about this author, Michael Nedrow.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Why the end of the rainbow can't be found?
We want to hear your view. Write now!