The recipe for a rainbow is well known. Add a few thousand raindrops to a bright shaft of sunlight and presto--a colorful arc appears. You might be surprised to learn, however, that sunlight is not required to make a rainbow. Moonlight does just as well:

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© Martin McKenna
"Last night I conducted a successful hunt for the elusive Lunar Rainbow," says photographer Martin McKenna of Maghera, Northern Ireland. "I noticed showers moving in from the west, so I drove out to a field and waited. The Moon rose behind me, then in an instant a complete primary and secondary bow formed. I could see them easily with the naked eye complete with colors."

"It was a wonderful experience." The only drawback: "My camera is completely drenched!"

Readers, the Moon is waxing bright. If you hear the pitter-patter of raindrops on your roof, look out the window. You, too, might spy a rainbow at night.