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Rare fogbow or 'white rainbow' spotted at The Strand in Gillingham

A rare "white rainbow" was spotted yesterday as parts of Kent had a foggy day.

The phenomenon, known as a fogbow, was snapped by Andy France over the River Medway at The Strand, in Gillingham.

The fogbow, also known as a white rainbow, was spotted at the Strand, Gillingham. Picture: Andy France
The fogbow, also known as a white rainbow, was spotted at the Strand, Gillingham. Picture: Andy France

"I spotted it after lunch, but within an hour the sun had burned the mist away," he said.

Mr France, who lives in Medway, is retired but volunteers at Chatham Historic Dockyard and takes photographs of the Towns as a hobby.

According to the Met Office, a fogbow is similar in some respects to a traditional rainbow.

Andy France, who took the photo, said the fogbow disappeared within an hour. Picture: Andy France
Andy France, who took the photo, said the fogbow disappeared within an hour. Picture: Andy France

It is formed from sunlight interacting with water droplets contained in fog, mist or cloud, rather than interacting with raindrops as it does in a classic rainbow.

The droplets cause the light to undergo different physical processes, most notably diffraction, which leads to fogbows appearing to be devoid of colour, hence the nickname of white rainbows.

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