What is the Purkinje effect? Total solar eclipse to bring out bright colors
Aside from momentary darkness, the total solar eclipse will bring a burst of bright colors due to a shift in color perception called the Purkinje effect.
The total solar eclipse that will take place on Monday, April 8, is a visual treat in itself, with skywatchers being treated to the rare phenomenon of the moon completely covering the sun.
Dazzling as this heavenly display may be, the eclipse will also have an effect that will be worth looking at back here on Earth. Because of the sudden shift from light to dark, there will be a change in the eye’s perception, also known as the Purkinje effect.
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What is the Purkinje effect?
The Purkinje effect, also known as the Purkinje shift, is a phenomenon observed in human vision where the sensitivity of the eye to different colors changes depending on the level of available light.
It was first described by Czech anatomist and physiologist Jan Evangelista Purkyně in the early 19th century.
The Purkinje effect primarily affects the perception of colors in low-light conditions, such as during dusk or dawn, or in this very special case, an eclipse.
In dim light, the eye becomes more sensitive to shorter wavelengths of light, such as blues and greens, while longer wavelengths, such as reds and oranges, become less visible.
As a result, objects that appear brightly colored during daylight hours may appear duller or less vibrant in low-light conditions, while colors that are less visible during the day may become more prominent.
Because of the relative speed of the transition from daylight to evening-level illumination, our eyes will not have time to adjust to the change in light, so the contrast in color will be much greater.
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Why should I wear Christmas colors during the eclipse?
The Purkinje effect will cause a starker color contrast as the solar eclipse progresses and a sudden low-light situation ensues. It will cause reds to look darker, while greens will appear brighter.
Wearing these complementary colors, or colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel, can give you a clear view of the shifting color act.
You can watch out for the Purkinje effect by removing your solar eclipse glasses as you look around you to see how the color saturation is shifting. Aside from looking at Christmas-colored clothes, you can also look at trees, flowers, and even water to see how the eclipse is affecting their colors.
Just don’t forget to put your glasses back on when you look at the solar eclipse again so you avoid damaging your eyes.