Science

Judi Lynn

(160,598 posts) Fri Apr 5, 2024, 07:27 AM Apr 5

Solar eclipse will create Purkinje effect -- and red, green clothes will help you see it

Jenna Prestininzi
Detroit Free Press

Don't mothball that ugly Christmas sweater just yet.

It's the perfect attire for viewing the upcoming total solar eclipse this spring, according to science. These colors work with the science of a solar eclipse, creating the Purkinje effect, and changing how viewers perceive colors. The phenomenon creates the perception that reds and yellows will seem to fade while greens and blues appear brighter during the eclipse.

"This Purkinje effect during the coming eclipse will turn the whole experience from just watching the sky go dark to a real-life science demo on your clothes," said online retailer Solar Eyeglasses.

As the eclipse begins, the sky will darken, making colors look different. Warm colors like red or orange will be less visible as they resemble the grey surroundings, while green will stand out brighter. Avoid wearing neutrals like black, white or grey, as these colors will blend in with the eclipse's shadow.

. . .

Wearing red and green will have the greatest impact if large numbers of people dress in these colors, according to experts. This is ideal for group viewing or public viewings at venues like parks, libraries or museums.

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/02/24/solar-eclipse-clothing-purkinje-effect-shift-phenomenon-clothes-red-green/72712533007/

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Highlight:

Solar eclipse will create Purkinje effect -- and red, green clothes will help you see it (Original Post) Judi Lynn Apr 5 OP

The Purkinje Effect: Why Scientists Say To Wear Green And Red During The Eclipse Judi Lynn Apr 5 #1

The Purkinje Effect: Why Scientists Say To Wear Green And Red During The Eclipse Judi Lynn Apr 5 #2

OK........................ Lovie777 Apr 5 #3

Judy is there shades of blue or green that will give a better show? Botany Apr 5 #4

Only Judi Lynn knows how to find a bit of magic in the science! Thanks! marble falls Apr 5 #5

Purkinje effect marble falls Apr 5 #6

I'm red/green color blind. TomSlick Apr 5 #7

Judi Lynn

(160,598 posts)

1. The Purkinje Effect: Why Scientists Say To Wear Green And Red During The Eclipse

Reply to Judi Lynn (Original post)

Fri Apr 5, 2024, 07:32 AM

Apr 5

The Purkinje Effect: Why Scientists Say To Wear Green And Red During The Eclipse
Brian Bushard
Forbes Staff

TOPLINE As millions of Americans gear up to catch the total solar eclipse on April 8, scientists advise stargazers to take advantage of an unusual effect by wearing green and red clothing, allowing colors to pop as the midday sun suddenly turns dark.

Scientists advise stargazers not just to wear specialty eclipse glasses, but red and green clothes

KEY FACTS

Scientists suggest people watching the eclipse wear green and red to maximize the phenomenon known as the Purkinje effect, a change in colors brought on by transitioning from sunlight to darkness.

That effect—which makes the red colors appear darker in contrast to brighter greens and blues—typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to perceive as day turns to night, though during an eclipse the effect takes only a matter of seconds, Cleveland Clinic ophthalmologist Nicole Bajic told AccuWeather.

Wearing red and green, or watching the eclipse in a group of people wearing those colors, will boost the Purkinje effect as the moon briefly passes over the sun, Bajic said.

Tracy Gregg, a planetary scientist at the University of Buffalo, said the effect can also show itself in hues of purple, an effect created when typically vibrant reds and oranges appear darker in dim light, brightening not only blues and greens, but lilacs and violets, Gregg told Scientific American.

. . .

SURPRISING FACT

The Purkinje effect is not the only phenomenon scientists predict stargazers will be able to take advantage of during the eclipse. Astronomers also say people will be able to catch a so-called double diamond ring, a rare effect when the last glimpse of the dimming sun suddenly turns into a bright flash around its rim, before appearing to extinguish completely, similar to the flash of the sunset over the horizon.

More:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2024/03/28/the-purkinje-effect-why-scientists-say-to-wear-green-and-red-during-the-eclipse/

Judi Lynn

(160,598 posts)

2. The Purkinje Effect: Why Scientists Say To Wear Green And Red During The Eclipse

Reply to Judi Lynn (Original post)

Fri Apr 5, 2024, 07:33 AM

Apr 5

Brian Bushard
Forbes Staff

TOPLINE As millions of Americans gear up to catch the total solar eclipse on April 8, scientists advise stargazers to take advantage of an unusual effect by wearing green and red clothing, allowing colors to pop as the midday sun suddenly turns dark.

Scientists advise stargazers not just to wear specialty eclipse glasses, but red and green clothes

KEY FACTS

Scientists suggest people watching the eclipse wear green and red to maximize the phenomenon known as the Purkinje effect, a change in colors brought on by transitioning from sunlight to darkness.

Wearing red and green, or watching the eclipse in a group of people wearing those colors, will boost the Purkinje effect as the moon briefly passes over the sun, Bajic said.