![Jerry Gilligan > Moonbow at Upper Yosemite Fall.
A moonbow (also known as a lunar rainbow) is a rainbow produced by light reflected off the surface of the moon rather than from direct sunlight. Many photographers ascend on Yosemite between April - July during a full moon to capture a moonbow either at the Upper Yosemite Fall, or at the Lower Yosemite Fall, Several factors are required to capture a Moonbow.
1. Bright Moonlight (nearly-full moon)
2. Moon risen above the south rim of the valley (so moonlight can strike Upper Yosemite Fall)
3. Sufficient mist and spray during snow melt runoff;
4. Clear skies.
5 Dark skies (Sun more than 9 degrees below the horizon)
6. Geometry (the angle between the "anti-lunar direction" [ observer's shadow cast by the moonlight] and the direction toward the base of the Upper Yosemite Fall must be near the "rainbow angle" of 42 degrees)
This image was made on June 14, 2011 at 10:47 pm
© Copyright Jerry Gilligan 2011 All Rights Reserved.](http://www.jerrygilligan.com/Landscapes/Yosemite/i-Qbxfj23/0/Ti/Moonbow-Upper-Yosemite-Fall©-Ti.jpg "Jerry Gilligan > Moonbow at Upper Yosemite Fall.
A moonbow (also known as a lunar rainbow) is a rainbow produced by light reflected off the surface of the moon rather than from direct sunlight. Many photographers ascend on Yosemite between April - July during a full moon to capture a moonbow either at the Upper Yosemite Fall, or at the Lower Yosemite Fall, Several factors are required to capture a Moonbow.
1. Bright Moonlight (nearly-full moon)
2. Moon risen above the south rim of the valley (so moonlight can strike Upper Yosemite Fall)
3. Sufficient mist and spray during snow melt runoff;
4. Clear skies.
5 Dark skies (Sun more than 9 degrees below the horizon)
6. Geometry (the angle between the \"anti-lunar direction\" [ observer's shadow cast by the moonlight] and the direction toward the base of the Upper Yosemite Fall must be near the \"rainbow angle\" of 42 degrees)
This image was made on June 14, 2011 at 10:47 pm
© Copyright Jerry Gilligan 2011 All Rights Reserved.")
Last Light on Horsetail Fall
Located in Yosemite National Park.
This is a seasonal water fall that flows in winter and early spring. The fall occurs on the east side of El Capitan. There are a few days every February if the conditions are just right with high water flow and an absence of clouds. This waterfall is lit up by the last light from the setting sun. The mist will also enhance the color with a bright orange glow. In some years, more dramatic images have been made by increased water flow and some wind, Galen Rowell took an iconic image of this fall back in 1974.
The fall is best seen and photographed from a small clearing close to the picnic area on the north road leading out of Yosemite Valley east of El Capitan.
This was photographed on the south side from Cathedral Beach with at least 40 Photographers standing tripod to tripod trying to get the best composition...
If you look close you will see the water flowing at the top and an occasional glow around the mist. I keep going back to witness this special event each year.
© Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved
Located in Yosemite National Park.
This is a seasonal water fall that flows in winter and early spring. The fall occurs on the east side of El Capitan. There are a few days every February if the conditions are just right with high water flow and an absence of clouds. This waterfall is lit up by the last light from the setting sun. The mist will also enhance the color with a bright orange glow. In some years, more dramatic images have been made by increased water flow and some wind, Galen Rowell took an iconic image of this fall back in 1974.
The fall is best seen and photographed from a small clearing close to the picnic area on the north road leading out of Yosemite Valley east of El Capitan.
This was photographed on the south side from Cathedral Beach with at least 40 Photographers standing tripod to tripod trying to get the best composition...
If you look close you will see the water flowing at the top and an occasional glow around the mist. I keep going back to witness this special event each year.
© Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved
Last Light on Horsetail Fall
Located in Yosemite National Park.
This is a seasonal water fall that flows in winter and early spring. The fall occurs on the east side of El Capitan. There are a few days every February if the conditions are just right with high water flow and an absence of clouds. This waterfall is lit up by the last light from the setting sun. The mist will also enhance the color with a bright orange glow. In some years, more dramatic images have been made by increased water flow and some wind, Galen Rowell took an iconic image of this fall back in 1974.
The fall is best seen and photographed from a small clearing close to the picnic area on the north road leading out of Yosemite Valley east of El Capitan.
This was photographed on the south side from Cathedral Beach with at least 40 Photographers standing tripod to tripod trying to get the best composition...
If you look close you will see the water flowing at the top and an occasional glow around the mist. I keep going back to witness this special event each year.
© Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved
Located in Yosemite National Park.
This is a seasonal water fall that flows in winter and early spring. The fall occurs on the east side of El Capitan. There are a few days every February if the conditions are just right with high water flow and an absence of clouds. This waterfall is lit up by the last light from the setting sun. The mist will also enhance the color with a bright orange glow. In some years, more dramatic images have been made by increased water flow and some wind, Galen Rowell took an iconic image of this fall back in 1974.
The fall is best seen and photographed from a small clearing close to the picnic area on the north road leading out of Yosemite Valley east of El Capitan.
This was photographed on the south side from Cathedral Beach with at least 40 Photographers standing tripod to tripod trying to get the best composition...
If you look close you will see the water flowing at the top and an occasional glow around the mist. I keep going back to witness this special event each year.
© Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved