Lightning Strikes as Perfect Foil to Chicago Rainbow in Viral iPhone Snapshot

Tried to catch yesterday’s rainbow when lightning (graciously) photobombed my iPhone shot [OC] – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)

Chicago – A local photographer seized a fleeting moment of nature’s drama when lightning illuminated a vivid rainbow arching over the city’s iconic skyline. The image, snapped on an iPhone amid a recent storm, quickly drew thousands of admirers online.[1] What began as an attempt to capture the rainbow turned into an unexpected showcase of the storm’s raw power.

The Shot That Captured Eyes

The photograph reveals a brilliant rainbow stretching across a post-storm sky, with a jagged bolt of lightning crashing dramatically just above it. Chicago’s distinctive skyline fills the background, including landmarks like the Willis Tower – once known as the Sears Tower – and the St. Regis hotel. A commuter train on the Metra line passes beneath an expressway in the foreground, adding a touch of everyday urban life to the spectacle.[1]

Shot at a shutter speed of 1/370th of a second, the image freezes the lightning’s brilliance without blur. The photographer emphasized that no editing or artificial enhancements altered the scene – it stands as a pure iPhone capture from the previous day.[2] Reflections on nearby Lake Michigan hinted at in viewer comments further enhanced the composition’s allure.

Viral Surge Across Platforms

Posted to Reddit’s r/chicago subreddit on May 5, the photo amassed over 2,200 upvotes within hours, sparking dozens of comments. Enthusiasts praised its striking composition, with one likening it to the cover of a 1970s progressive rock album. Others called it ideal wallpaper material or simply “beautiful.”[1]

A cross-post to r/weather garnered additional traction, underscoring the image’s appeal to weather watchers. Viewers noted the “dichotomy of weather,” capturing the tension between serene beauty and sudden fury. The rapid spread highlighted Chicagoans’ shared experience of the storm’s aftermath.

Timing Nature’s Dual Display

Rainbows form when sunlight refracts through raindrops, often appearing as storms recede. Yet lightning, born from electrical charges within thunderclouds, rarely aligns so precisely with that sunlight. This rare convergence demanded quick reflexes and a steady hand, especially from a smartphone.[2]

The photographer, known online as vexxed82, has a history of documenting Chicago’s turbulent skies, from shelf clouds to intense thunderstorms. This latest effort built on that legacy, turning a routine evening chase into a standout moment. No severe weather alerts accompanied the event, but the bolt served as a reminder of lingering risks even as skies cleared.

What It Means for Sky Watchers

For residents, the photo evoked the city’s unpredictable weather patterns, where fierce storms yield moments of wonder. It resonated amid spring’s volatile conditions, blending hazard with hope.

• Urban skyline anchors the natural drama in a relatable setting.
• Lightning’s position creates visual tension without overpowering the rainbow.
• Everyday elements like the Metra train ground the scene in Chicago life.

As the image continues to circulate, it stands as a testament to the thrill of witnessing – and preserving – nature’s unscripted performances. In a city famed for its architecture, the true stars emerged from the heavens.