Years ago I was explaining rainbow optics ...and also explaining
thunderstorm dynamics. I stumbled across a strange idea: shouldn't the
electrostatic fields in thunderstorms have a visible effect on rainbows?
E-fields should slightly distort falling raindrops, causing the light
distribution of a rainbow to change slightly. We should notice that a
rainbow suddenly "flicks" during a lightning bolt, then slowly changes to
its initial pattern as the e-fields build before another strike.
I just heard about two weather-anomaly videos on youtube which apparently
show this in action! But it's not rainbows. Instead it's suspended ice
crystals or mist droplets condensing just above a rising thunderhead,
brightly back-lit by the sun. Take a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z_-uK5Btik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc9Ks6H3coY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUcH3VClzUI
Rather than distortions of droplets, perhaps these are "sun dogs" or light
patterns caused by aligned ice crystals. A changing e-field could rotate
all the ice and cause the sundog to change shape. Or less likely, perhaps
some condensing droplets are changing size under e-field influence
(condensation rate of small droplets is known to be altered by strong
electrostatic fields.)
(((((((((((((((((( ( ( ( ( (O) ) ) ) ) )))))))))))))))))))
William J. Beaty http://staff.washington.edu/wbeaty/
beaty chem washington edu Research Engineer
billbamascicom UW Chem Dept, Bagley Hall RM74
206-543-6195 Box 351700, Seattle, WA 98195-1700
