A drone operator captured video of a whale producing rainbows within its exhalation off the coast of California [1, 2].
The footage highlights the intersection of marine biology and atmospheric physics, demonstrating how natural phenomena can be visualized through high-resolution aerial technology.
Mauricio Tassara, a drone operator, filmed the event on Aug. 16 [1, 3]. The encounter occurred in the waters near San Diego [1, 4]. The video shows the animal exhaling a powerful spray of water and air, which immediately refracted sunlight to create visible rainbow arcs within the blow [1].
While most reports identify the animal as a humpback whale [1, 2], some sources described it as a gray whale [4]. The optical effect occurred because the water droplets in the whale's blow acted as tiny prisms, bending the light as it passed through the moisture [1].
This event is part of a growing trend of using unmanned aerial vehicles to document marine mammal behavior from angles that were previously inaccessible to researchers and photographers. By maintaining a safe distance, operators like Tassara can capture intimate details of animal physiology without disturbing the creature's natural movement or feeding patterns.
The refracted light was only visible for a brief moment as the spray dissipated into the air [1]. The resulting images have since circulated on social media, showcasing the rare alignment of light, moisture, and timing required to produce such a visual result.
“Rainbows formed within the whale's exhalation”
The occurrence of rainbows in a whale's blow is a result of the 'glory' or 'rainbow' effect, where sunlight hits water droplets at a specific angle. The use of drones to capture these moments allows for a non-invasive way to study marine life and provides the public with a clearer understanding of the physical properties of whale exhalations.
