This picture of an F-22 leaving behind a trail of rainbow colored water vapor, taken by Bernardo Malfitano, is my selection for the best of web assignment. Not only because of its aesthetically pleasing nature, showing contrast between the black silhouette and the rainbow colored vapor behind it, but also because it demonstrates some extreme physics provided by a jet. The F-22 is moving fast that a low pressure system forms around the fuselage which gets the air cold enough for water to condense. This water in turn refracts light in such a way that it looks like a rainbow. This water vapor also displays a turbulent flow directly behind the aircraft’s wings demonstrating some aerodynamic principles that allow the F-22 to maneuver as an air-to-air combat craft.
Here is the link to the website on which it was found, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1309709/Stunning-rainbow-pictured-trail-F-22-fighter-jet.html
14 Comments. Leave new
First Place: I’m extremely into aeronautics and this refraction turns something so deadly into something beautiful
Second place: Beautiful refraction and so unusual!
Second Place.
The colors on this go hand in hand extremely well with the physics being demonstrated. We see a low pressure area behind the jet, which is demonstrated by all of the colors swirling around in wakes. The colors contrasting with the jet also makes this an even more impactful image.
First. The color refraction left from the turbulent flow illustrates aesthetic light scattering of all visible wavelengths.
First prize – The colors of this picture are amazing even the time of day at which this picture was taken helped show the beautiful colors of this pictures, the exhaust gases splitting is very unique as well as the triangular shape, having the colors scattered around it showing the turbulent flow.
Third Prize. The condensation behind the F-22, with the very turbulent nature of the flow, make for a nice combination of aesthetics and interesting physics. The high speeds and low pressures involved make for a flow that is both chaotic and ordered.
First Place. I really like the light refraction in the exhaust gases of the jet. The colors are vibrant and the contrast in the image between the color and dark plane is striking.
Third Place: Amazing picture, I like the the contrast between the black F22 shadow and the colorful rainbow water vapor.
First prize, I really like how sunlight refracted by turbulent flow and shows different color. This is beautiful.
Second Place: I think this image is very fascinating. I also like that you explained the effect that caused the rainbow, as I did not know that this phenomenon happens. This is an excellent display of flow effects.
First Place. I really like the jet trail it leaves behind. Not only does it provide some incredible color, but I think its neat how the trail itself starts to split at the end.
Second Place. It’s so interesting how the jet leaves a colored trail behind it, very aesthetically pleasing.
Great display of light refraction and contrast
First