A secondary rainbow is formed when sunlight undergoes two internal reflections within water droplets, creating an arc with colours reversed from the primary rainbow (violet on the outside, red on the inside). It appears larger and fainter due to light loss during the second reflection and a broader spread of wavelengths.
- A secondary rainbow appears when sunlight is refracted as it enters raindrops, reflects twice off the inside surface, is refracted again as it escapes back into the air, and then travels towards an observer.
- A secondary rainbow always appears alongside a primary rainbow and forms a larger arc with the colours reversed.
- A secondary rainbow has violet on the outside and red on the inside of the bow.
- When both primary and secondary bows are visible they are often referred to as a double rainbow.
- A secondary rainbow forms at an angle of between approx. 50.40 to 53.40 to its centre as seen from the point of view of the observer.