On the evening of July 20, 2024, a spectacular double rainbow appeared over the campus of UEMA – Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, capturing the attention and awe of students, faculty, and the local community.
The phenomenon occurred at 9:49 PM local time, just as the sun was setting in the western sky. The sky was filled with a mix of dark storm clouds and patches of clear blue, creating the perfect conditions for the colorful display.
The double rainbow stretched across the sky, with the primary rainbow appearing first, followed by a fainter, secondary rainbow above it. The colors of the rainbow were vivid and distinct, with shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet clearly visible.
Students and faculty members quickly grabbed their phones and cameras to capture the rare sight, sharing photos and videos on social media. The campus buzzed with excitement as people marveled at the beauty of nature’s display.
Dr. Maria Silva, a professor of meteorology at UEMA, explained that double rainbows occur when sunlight is reflected twice inside raindrops, creating a secondary rainbow that appears above the primary one. She noted that double rainbows are relatively rare and require specific atmospheric conditions to form.
The double rainbow lingered in the sky for nearly half an hour before gradually fading away as the sun dipped below the horizon. Despite its brief appearance, the sight left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
As news of the double rainbow spread, locals from the surrounding area flocked to the UEMA campus to catch a glimpse of the natural spectacle. Families gathered on the university grounds, pointing and marveling at the colorful arcs in the sky.
The double rainbow served as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, bringing joy and wonder to all who were fortunate enough to witness it. As the evening drew to a close, students and faculty lingered on the campus, reflecting on the fleeting but memorable moment that had brightened their day.
