The tendency for light levels to fade more quickly with certain shades of color is visible during a solar eclipse.
© Ty Wright / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) – If you’re heading out to view the solar eclipse on Monday, scientists have a wardrobe suggestion. It’s got nothing to do with the weather — although the forecast does call for a mostly sunny day in New York City — with a high near 60 degrees.
While it may get a bit cooler during the eclipse — given the moon will block out the sun’s rays — the recommendation as to what you should wear centers on color, not comfort. An interesting scientific phenomenon takes place when light suddenly fades and the sky goes dark. Certain shades of color fade more quickly, while others hold light a bit longer.
So, scientists say you should consider wearing red and green on Monday. Red and yellow colors fade faster than green and blues. So, if you wear a mixture of red and green — like a Christmas shirt or sweater you might have in your closet — the green will look brighter and contrast with the dark red.
The phenomenon is especially visible in large groups so if you can convince your fellow eclipse viewers to rock red and green it could boost the experience.
