Eigengrau

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Eigengrau[edit | edit source]

Eigengrau, also known as "dark light," is the color perceived by the eye in complete darkness.

Eigengrau, also referred to as "dark light," is the color perceived by the human eye in complete darkness. The term "eigengrau" is derived from the German words "eigen" meaning "intrinsic" or "own," and "grau" meaning "gray." It is a phenomenon that occurs due to the way our visual system processes information in the absence of any external light sources.

Perception[edit | edit source]

In the absence of light, the human eye does not receive any visual stimuli. However, the visual cortex in the brain continues to generate signals, resulting in the perception of a uniform dark gray color. This color is eigengrau.

Scientific Explanation[edit | edit source]

The perception of eigengrau can be attributed to the spontaneous firing of neurons in the visual cortex. These neurons generate random electrical signals, which the brain interprets as visual information. In the absence of external light, these signals are interpreted as a uniform dark gray color.

Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]

Eigengrau has been a subject of interest in various fields, including psychology, philosophy, and art. It has been used as a metaphor for the unconscious mind, representing the hidden thoughts and emotions that exist within individuals.

References[edit | edit source]


See Also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD