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Latest about light

Photo of a blue octopus on the sea floor

How do octopuses change color?

By Harry Baker published

Octopuses are one of the most successful camouflaging animals in the world. But exactly how they pull off their rapid, high-resolution color changes is still a mystery.

Octopuses
A strontium lattice optical atomic clock

Ultraprecise atomic optical clocks may redefine the length of a second

By Tia Ghose published

The length of a second hasn't been updated in 70 years, but ultraprecise atomic optical clocks are on track to change that.

Particle Physics
Artist's impression of beams of light

Can anything travel faster than the speed of light?

By Joe Phelan published

Here's the science behind whether anything can travel faster than the speed of light.

Astronomy
Light pollution seen from Pic du Midi de Bigorre Observatory

Light pollution: Environmental impact, health risks and facts

By Scott Dutfield published

Reference Discover the facts about light pollution and its impact on the environment and our health.

Reference
Energy saving light bulbs being put in a ceiling light

How do energy saving light bulbs work?

By Mark Smith published

Reference Energy saving light bulbs: mechanics, efficiency and designs

Reference
An eye

Your pupils can count … sort of

By Yasemin Saplakoglu published

New research suggests a person's pupil size can change based on the number of objects an individual observes in their visual field.

Education
What would happen if light traveled much more slowly?

What would happen if the speed of light were much lower?

By Ashley P. Taylor published

Here's what would happen if the speed of light were orders of magnitude slower.

Physics & Mathematics
Space as seen from Earth's surface

Why does outer space look black?

By Tiffany Means published

Several cosmic characteristics, including the lack of an atmosphere, lend space its dark color.

Astronomy
Sombrero Galaxy

Amazing astrophotography: How some of the most iconic space images were captured

By Ailsa Harvey, How It Works magazine published

These incredible space photos were taken using advanced techniques to reveal some of the wonders in the universe.

Astronomy
12 spheres sit on a field of green, red and blue stripes, with some stripes crossing in front of the spheres

This optical illusion tricks you into seeing different colors. How does it work?

By Nicoletta Lanese published

This image is an example of the Munker-White illusion.

Human Behavior
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