Solar Power Generates Artificial Rainbows for Public Art Project

Artificial rainbow created by solar power and harvested rainwater (image from Michael Jones McKean)

Science meets art with a new machine created by Michael Jones McKean, a professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University, that generates artificial rainbows using solar power and harvested rainwater.  McKean plans to install a public art project showcasing the solar powered artificial rainbows at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in Omaha, Nebraska next June.

According to his website, McKean creates rainbows using sunlight and water sprayed into the air by a series of pumps, hoses and nozzles.  The water used for the public art project is recaptured rainwater, and it is continuously re-circulated by way of the building’s water/gutter system.  Solar power factors into the project by way of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that generate clean electricity to power the water pumps.

Walking right through a solar powered artificial rainbow (image from Michael Jones McKean)

When McKean sets up the artificial rainbow project at the Bemis Center in June, rainwater will be collected from the roof and funneled down a custom system that will recapture the water for further use after it is sprayed into the air to create the rainbows.  A solar power system will be used to power the pump and spray mechanics, as well.

Residents of and visitors to Omaha, Nebraska will enjoy the artificial rainbow displays twice a day for about 20 minutes from distances as far as 1000 feet away.  You’ll even be able to walk through the display, marveling at the unique quality of each rainbow created.

Tags: art project, artificial rainbows, michael jones mckean, public art, solar energy, solar panels, solar power