When to See the Mysterious and Magical Kentucky Moonbow in 2023

A new year means new opportunities to see the mysterious and magical Kentucky moonbow that appears with each full moon.

What is a Moonbow?

A moonbow is created much like a rainbow. Light is refracted as it passes through drops of moisture in the air. However, unlike a rainbow where that light comes from the sun, a moonbow is created by moonlight.

How Rare Is It?

Moonbows happen occasionally at random all over the world, but there are actually only two places on Earth where moonbows happen with regularity. How regular? They happen for a couple of days before and a couple of days after every full moon.

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Where Can You See Them?

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is one of two places in the world where you can regularly see a moonbow thanks to the mist created by the waterfall. If a trip to Africa isn't in your budget, we get it. It isn't in ours either. Fortunately, Kentucky is home to the only other location in the world where you can count on regularly seeing a moonbow.

The Great Commonwealth of Kentucky

Kentucky is home to Cumberland Falls, located inside Cumberland Falls State Park in Corbin and much like in Africa, the falls create the perfect conditions for moonbow viewing. The phenomenon occurs so regularly, at Cumberland Falls that they keep a list of viewing dates, coinciding with the full moons. While we have missed the first two full moons of 2023, there are still ten more opportunities to see a Kentucky moonbow. According to Cumberland Falls State Park's website, you can see them on the following dates:

Moonbow Dates 2023
January 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
February 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
March 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
April 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
May 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
June 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
July 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 30, 31
Aug 1, 2, 3, 27, 28, 30, 31
Sept 1, 27, 28, 29, 30
Oct 1, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Nov 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
Dec 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

More to Do at Cumberland

There is plenty to do at Cumberland Falls State Park when you visit to do some moonbow viewing. The park is home to hiking, camping, fishing, birding, swimming, picnicking, and horseback riding. There is even gem mining! Of course, you can enjoy a stay in the DuPont Lodge, or one of the cottages, or have a meal at the Riverview Restaurant. Learn more here.