Pikes Peak Pebble Pups and Earth Science Scholars: Rainbow Fragments on Spider Webs

The Pikes Peak Pebble Pups and Earth Science Scholars: We explore the wonders of rock, mineral,and fossil collecting in the Pikes Peak region. Our program participates with the Future Rockhounds of America under the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies. Our purpose is to train Pebble Pups and Junior Members (teens) to become skilled rockhounds. The Pebble Pups and Junior Members of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society and the Lake George Gem and Mineral Club use this site.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Rainbow Fragments on Spider Webs

The entangled pearl necklaces pictured above are actually droplets of dew on a spider web. The subtle colors displayed here resulted when sunlight illuminated the web, creating a multitude of rainbow fragments. Note that, in general, the smaller dew drops, residing on the thinnest silk strands, are nearly colorless. With these smaller drop sizes, wave interference acts to diminish coloration because colors tend to overlap one another. Photo taken at Squaw Creek near my home in Mound City, Missouri, on September 21, 2013.

Squaw Creek, Missouri Coordinates: 40.081542, -95.251553
Photographer: Nancy Calltharp, used by permission.

Welcome! This is the gateway to adventure and discovery

Through this blog pebble pups and junior members of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society can access their lessons, work on assignments and projects, and receive details about field trips in the Pikes Peak Region. This Internet program is also suitable for young people who are interested in Earth science but do not live near a rock club or gem and mineral society or for young people anywhere who want a deeper dive into these topics. The only requirement is that all participants must be members of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society and must fill out the CSMS membership form (under important websites) and send their registration and membership fee in. Steven Veatch is the senior instructor and will need an email from you with your name, address, phone number, and permission from your parents to participate in this program.