SPLENDID COLOURS OF MESMERISING NATURE Elvidio Miranda
The blaze of glory of a rainbow on an October evening is a sight to behold by everyone who witnesses this spectacular phenomenon, that is nature's ways of colouring the sky with the radiant arc of violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red colours, the seven main colours in the universe. The rays of the sun in the western sky passes through the droplets of rain acting as minute prisms to unfurl and display a sensational harmony of colours on the eastern firmament. This natural optical phenomena is usually associated with harmony, peace and understanding, what sages of yesteryears believe. Many-a-times, the occurrence of a rainbow in also followed by a spectacular sunset in the west, a double feast for the eyes. Rainbows formed by the rays of the sun are widely witnessed but what is a very rare occurrence is the circular rainbow formed around the moon on a full moon day on an August night that is a unique display of the variety of colours during a rainy day, the rare show of colours in the night sky amid the twinkling stars. Rainbows are especially a visual treat because the colours are intrinsic giving the impression that inner lights seem to project a flourescent or phosphorescent display. The array of magnificent colours of the sky right from dawn until dusk is also a visual feast for the eyes as well as its reflection on the surface of the oceans, seas and rivers, which create a spectacular sight, a glowing tribute to nature's colourful wonder. The twinkling of stars in the dark night sky is yet another effect that mesmerises the viewer, an effect produced due to the various strata of denseness as well as of rarity of the atmospheric air. Twinkling stars are also seen with variety of light colour tinges that decorate the night sky, lending a magical celestial spectacle to the night. Also sunset in particular colours the sky with shades of light and dark blue, orange, grey and crimson. The colours of the rainbow find wide expression in the gorgeous exotic plumage of a wide variety of birds that are a gleaming testimony of the wonders of nature, the impressive and elegant peacock, canary, parrot and kingfisher, are but a few examples of nature's abundance of colour in the bird kingdom. The vivid green flourescent light emitted by a firefly due to the burning of luciferase is yet another marvel that illuminates the night during the monsoon, short spells of glow dotting the ambience.Nature's resplendent array of colours find wide expression in the hues and shades of the petals of flowers from the crowning glory of the roses of various colours to the carnations, orchids and violets. Nature displays a wondrous array of colours that are both magical and mesmerising.