An Unusual Eclipse Phenomenon: Dress in Green and Red for a Unique Experience
This coming Monday, April 8, an unprecedented celestial spectacle is expected when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, generating an eclipse that will capture the attention of millions. But beyond looking up, there is a peculiar recommendation for astronomy fans: dress in green and red to experience a unique visual phenomenon on Earth.
With the advent of the eclipse, for brief moments, our world will be plunged into an unusual twilight where the colors we perceive will change drastically. In the shadow of the eclipse, vibrant shades of red may darken to black, while greens and blues will take on surprising intensity.
The curious change of colors is called the Purkinje effect and occurs when we go from intense lighting to momentary darkness. Normally, this effect takes 20 to 30 minutes to be noticeable at sunset, but during an eclipse, the transformation is almost instantaneous. According to ophthalmologist Nicole Bajic at the Cleveland Clinic, the Purkinje effect depends on how our eyes perceive these changes, making it almost impossible to capture in photographs.
The recommendation is simple but intriguing: wear red and green, or be close to those who do, to intensify the experience of the Purkinje effect during the eclipse. Planetary scientist Tracy Gregg from the University of Buffalo explains that this phenomenon not only highlights blues and greens but can also make purple hues shine in a new splendor, immersing viewers in an almost dreamlike setting.
The middle of ScienceNews sheds light on this amazing phenomenon, explaining that the color changes we experience during an eclipse are due to the interaction between sunlight, the atmosphere, and our visual perception. Interestingly, this change cannot be captured in photographs because part of this phenomenon is due to how our eyes adapt to different lighting conditions. The Purkinje effect reveals a world where blue becomes the visual protagonist.
As we prepare to view the eclipse, taking the necessary precautions to protect our eyesight, we also have the unique opportunity to become part of a living scientific experiment, simply by choosing our attire wisely. So, grab your red and green outfits and get ready for a truly unique experience during the upcoming eclipse.