How to See in the Dark

Can humans really see in the dark? Not if it's pitch black, but if there is some light, then yes—it's possible to see in the dark. Being able to “see” in the dark can come in handy, especially if the electricity goes out.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Go outside at night or turn off all the lights in your home. There will probably be some light from a street light or the moon. Even if it’s only a little bit of light, it should be enough to help you see.

2. Allow 10 to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the low light. If you look at a light source during this time, it will take longer for your eyes to adjust.

3. Look around. Everything will be black and white—no color.

4. Keep your eyes moving. This allows for better vision than if you focus on one spot for too long.

5. Experiment with different amounts of light to determine how well you can “see” in the dark.

Tips & Warnings

• Try this out in a place you are very familiar to get started. It’s easier to see in the dark if you know your environment.
• Don’t look directly at a light source. This will diminish your ability to see in the dark.