Rare Moonbow Captured in Butler County

Melinda Keown of Butler Country captured photos of  a rare moonbow last night in southern Kentucky. A moonbow, also known as a “lunar rainbow”, is similar to a rainbow but is created by moonlight rather than direct sunlight.

Moonbows are extremely rare because multiple factors must come into play for one to occur: The moon must be a full or a near-full moon, and it must be very low in the sky. They sky must be very dark and water droplets have to be present in the air opposite of the moon (timeanddate.com).

If all of these conditions are present, then a moonbow may occur due to the reflection and refraction of water  droplets by moonlight. There are some areas around the world where moonbows are more frequent, and many occur around waterfalls. These locations include Yosemite National Park and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, right here in Kentucky. 

Thanks again to Melinda Keown for allowing us to share these beautiful photos!