We’ve already covered bioluminescence in this column – the ability of real-world creatures to produce light. So instead let’s talk about what makes things glow in the dark generally.
Scientifically speaking, something that glows in the dark is “phosphorescing” – it absorbs some kind of energy and then releases it slowly over time in the form of visible light. In the past, glow-in-the-dark toys were often made with zinc sulfide, but today another substance is used – strontium aluminate, which can store and release about ten times more light, allowing the glow to last longer.
Have you noticed that most glow-in-the-dark things glow green? There are two main reasons for this – first, the human eye is particularly sensitive to green light, so green always appears brighter than other colors. The second is that the cheapest and safest phosphorescent chemicals glow green, so it’s a smart choice for companies.
We’re discovering new chemicals and processes all the time through the marvels of nature, so you can bet that mankind's own glow-in-the-dark stuff will become even better in the future – which means even better toys! Good for you to keep in mind if you're wondering what to get for my birthday!
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