Rainbows appear after summer rains because sunlight is refracted, scattered, and reflected by water droplets in the atmosphere, creating a spectrum of colors. Water droplets act like little prisms, splitting sunlight into its component colors and creating a beautiful arc of color that we see as a rainbow.

To create a rainbow out of water, you can use a garden hose or a sprayer to create a mist of water droplets. Stand with your back to the sun and spray water into the air at a low angle. If sunlight hits at the right angle and there are enough water droplets in the air, you may see a rainbow form. Playing with water drops and sunlight can be a fun and magical way to create your own mini rainbow. Just remember: you need a source of sunlight and enough water droplets in the air to see the colors of the rainbow.