“Sun glare, sunrises and mists ...” - these beautiful words of the song transfer thoughts to the summer meadow, where the rainbow dew plays, sparkling sun rays in the lake . In the morning, nature wakes up and thanks for the light and heat the main source of life - the Sun. We take its light and heat for granted, and sunbeams on water and in puddles are able to cheer up. How does a sun flare come about? Do you know what solar bunnies are useful for and what are dangerous? We ask the experts.
Sun flare from space
An optical phenomenon, when sunlight is reflected from the surface of the water at the same angle as the sensor camera from a satellite or spacecraft looks at the same surface, leads to the fact that the sunlight reflects the pond into unusual luminous shades. The currents and waves of water bodies that are constantly in motion scatter the rays of the sun in different directions, and photographs of the water surface are obtained by blurred chaotic streaks of light. This phenomenon is difficult for some, for example, oceanologists who are prevented by disobedient sunbeams from looking at satellite images for the location of phytoplankton and the real color of the ocean. And there are scientists who "play" with the glare of the sun with pleasure.
Solar bunnies in the service of man
Researchers of atmospheric phenomena and weather conditions are friends with such a thing as sun glare. Photos of reservoirs with which the sun “played” make it possible to identify gravitational waves and atmospheric air circulation over the oceans, which are usually hidden from view. Blurry places in photos from space that created glare allow you to find out about the places of origin of the winds and their directions. Scientists have also benefited from this phenomenon. Sun glare reflected from oil spills on the water helps pinpoint their location. This allows you to detect them regardless of origin: natural or man-made.
Be careful with the sun!
An affectionate and kind sun can turn out to be evil and dangerous if you behave incorrectly with it. Much has already been said about how to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation, but a cheerful sun glare can be dangerous for the eyes. An acute burn of the cornea is often obtained when skiing, hang gliding over a pond, surfing and just swimming in the bright sun. If you look at the sun at its zenith, you can get a retinal burn. The reflection of rays from water or a snow-white surface has a double effect, as a result, the eyes are very watery, sharp pain appears, it happens that for some time it is simply impossible to watch. Everything goes quickly and is just as quickly forgotten. This is a dangerous sunburn. A constant such effect gradually kills tissues, damages the retina and cornea, and leads to the development of cataracts.
Residents of equatorial countries, especially those living by the sea, are especially prone to this phenomenon, eye damage is chronic in them. The "worn out" eyes here take place already by the age of 30-35. Eyes need to be protected from glare with correctly selected sunglasses.
Is looking at the sun harmful? Useful!
However, ophthalmologists are actively using photostimulation to revitalize the eye. It is based on the fact that the eye is exposed to a directed beam of light. Sunlight also works, but bright and not too strong. The best time to contemplate the sun glare is the sunrises and sunsets, when its light is not yet bright. Another way is to look at the sun with your eyes closed. How does it work? Under the influence of light, all processes in the retina and throughout the body are revived and accelerated: the metabolism is accelerated, the vessels expand, the work of nerve endings and the brain is activated.
People often like to look at the fire - this sight is bewitching and calming. Another benefit of this activity is that flickering and pulsating light acts on the eyes as a non-contact massage.
You need to know
A few scientifically proven facts will help maintain good vision:
- The most dangerous effect on the eyes of the sun glare is not in the summer, but in the spring and autumn.
- The most unfavorable time for the eyes is from 10 to 16 hours.
- Especially dangerous is the bright flicker for babies, and yet few protect their eyes near water. The kid is not always happy with glasses; he will be protected by a wide-brimmed panama hat. He is better at sunbathing and swimming in the morning and evening.
- Admire the glare on the water with glasses.
- The higher the place above sea level, the more dangerous is the effect of the bright sun on the eyes.