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Whales Create Stunning Rainblows Along Oregon, Washington Coasts

3/24/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Whales off the Oregon and Washington coasts produce rainblows when they spout water from their blowholes.
The rainbow effect forms when sunlight refracts through water droplets in the air.
Gray whales can spout up to 15 feet high.
Researchers including Leigh Torres of Oregon State University study rainblows and related whale challenges through the project IndividuWhale.com.

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Story summary

Whales off the Oregon and Washington coasts produce rainblows when they spout water from their blowholes.
The rainbow effect forms when sunlight refracts through water droplets in the air.
Gray whales can spout up to 15 feet high.
Researchers including Leigh Torres of Oregon State University study rainblows and related whale challenges through the project IndividuWhale.com.