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Original poster

I've always wondered why this happens...

29 replies

Wallace · 02/04/2005 21:27

When there is red writing on a blue background, (or vice versa), why does it look like it is flashing if you catch sight of it out of the corner of your eye?

OP posts:
Original poster
Wallace · 02/04/2005 21:35

Maybe it's just me

OP posts:
snafu · 02/04/2005 21:35

No, it's not just you - but I don't know why it happens either lol

Original poster
Wallace · 02/04/2005 21:37

Glad it is not just me! Somebody here must know the answer...surely on mumsnet there is always someone who knows?

OP posts:
snafu · 02/04/2005 21:39

omg, maybe this is going to be The Question That Has No Answer (On Mumsnet At Least)

RTMTMML · 02/04/2005 21:41

(quick hijack)

Snafu, did you get the stuff I sent you? I found envelope in DH's bag and ended up posting it myself.

(hijack over)

Original poster
Wallace · 02/04/2005 21:45

Gosh, if it is "The Question That Has No Answer (On Mumsnet At Least)" I feel very privileged.

However as soon as they see this it will become a challenge, and be solved in two minutes

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 02/04/2005 21:46
  • The human eye can only ever effectively focus on Green (and also Yellow).
- Red and Blue are seen as blobs and often the brain compensates. - This is made worse by the condition of your eyes. - There is a marked variation between the colours and the eye simply cannot focus on them all. - The wavelength of red (700nm) is almost double that of blue (400nm). - if the object is close the eye often notices a fake 3D effect (some web sites use this effect on a black background). - because of the focussing it thinks that the objects are at different locations.
Original poster
Wallace · 02/04/2005 21:47

I've just had an idea....

OP posts:
RTMTMML · 02/04/2005 21:47

did you google that soupy or are you, as we all know, just incredibly clever?

snafu · 02/04/2005 21:47

Yes - got it this morning! Thank you. Oh, and you've just reminded me I need to forward you something from abel&cole. They are having trouble locating your account - maybe because you get the delivery through school? Anyway I'll the email on to you and if you want the freebies you can give them your address directly - probably easier that way!

Sorry for hijack Wallace!

RTMTMML · 02/04/2005 21:48

what's your idea Wallace?

snafu · 02/04/2005 21:48

Gaaaaah soupy!

Dior · 02/04/2005 21:48

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Wallace · 02/04/2005 21:49

Bu**er you! Only one minute! I was just about to post it as a new thread with the title "The Question That Has No Answer (On Mumsnet At Least)" to get a bit more of a response

OP posts:
Original poster
Wallace · 02/04/2005 21:50

I think she must have googled it?

OP posts:
RTMTMML · 02/04/2005 21:50

why not do it anyway Wallace and make a question up?

SoupDragon · 02/04/2005 21:52

Google obviously!

I think, basically, blue and red are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

SoupDragon · 02/04/2005 21:52

The 7inch of "Wham Rap" was red writing on a blue background and I remember that jumping on the cover

Original poster
Wallace · 02/04/2005 21:53

Oooh that is tempting! But I must go to bed. I must go to bed. I must go to bed. Dh is away and I am spending far too much time on the computer, and not getting enough sleep. Early start tomorrow.

I'll be gracious and let someone else have the thread title, and check back in the morning to see what happened

OP posts:
Original poster
Wallace · 02/04/2005 21:54

Evidence that I must go to bed if I managed to type it three times!

Right. I'm gone.

OP posts:
snafu · 02/04/2005 21:55

Yes, I used to have a Noddy annual that had jumpy-out red writing on a blue background. Not quite as cool as Wham Rap, but then I am not a dragon.

Cadbury · 02/04/2005 22:07

Is there nothing you don't know about Soupy? You truly are the oracle

SoupDragon · 02/04/2005 22:15

I just hate unanswered questions!! I can't see a question on MN without feeling the need to Google it.

RTMTMML · 02/04/2005 22:16

soupy? How longs a piece of string? ROFL

RTMTMML · 02/04/2005 22:17

long's

can't believe my apostrophes keep vanishing