Glass Bead Bow

This is called a glass bead bow. I used 150-200 micron sized spherical glass beads which take on the characteristics of a liquid when in a bowl. The reason the beads reflect a rainbow back at the observer is specifically due to their shape, spherical just like water droplets when it's raining. When it's raining and all the other conditions are right a rainbow will be reflected back at the observer at 42°. A glass bead bow reflects back at around 26°+-- 2°. I filled a cup with the beads, threw them in the alley and spread them out with a broom, approx. 4m circle. This was the result. You can create one of these with the same size spherical glass beads, a black piece of poster board (36" or larger), 3M Spray Mount. Spray the 3M Spray Mount covering the entire surface of the black board. Right after you have sprayed the board immediately cover the entire surface with the beads. Put more than needed on the board as some will fall off the edges. Collect the fallen beads and put back on the board in any places that are needed. Lay paper towel down on the ground and tip the board so the excess beads fall off. Allow the board to dry for a few hours and repeat. When all is finished be careful not to rub the surface against anything as the beads will come off. Take the board outside on a sunny day and a circular bow will reflect back at you. Your shadow will be right in the bows center at the bottom. Have fun!!
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