There are many myths and legends surrounding rainbows and why they appear.
They were once thought of as a bridge linking man and the heavens or a colourful God-like serpent. And of course, we all know the one about the Leprechaun guarding the gold at the end of a rainbow.
It is no wonder there are so many fanciful fables about rainbows -- they are among the most beautiful of nature's displays.
But...what causes them, and why are there so many colours in them?
RTÉ has teamed up with ESB Science Blast to investigate the science behind some curious questions.
We asked primary schools across Ireland to pose awe-inspiring questions about the world around them and enlisted the help of our trusted friends, Zig & Zag, to find some answers.
This week’s question was posed by Dreeny National School, Skibbereen in County Cork.
Check out the answer here:
All science begins by asking questions and then seeking answers. ESB Science Blast, delivered by the RDS, is a programme for primary school classes from 3rd to 6th that invites children to investigate the science behind a simple question that interests and excites them, before presenting their findings at one of three showcase events across the country.
While the showcase events unfortunately can’t take place this year, ESB Science Blast TV will be coming to classrooms across Ireland in April. Science surrounds us everywhere, everyday.
You just need to look around you and ask 'why?' If you want to explore the science behind all of your 'why’s’ – find out how your school can get involved at www.esbscienceblast.com
