Night vision

Seeing in the Dark

Our eyes need light to see, and sometimes there isn’t enough light, like at night. Some animals, like cats, dogs, and foxes, can see better in the dark than we can. They have a special layer in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum that helps them see by reflecting light back through their eyes.

Tools to Help Us See

People can use special tools to help see in the dark. These tools are called night-vision devices. One type is called image intensification. It makes light brighter by using light from stars or the moon. This helps people see even when it is very dim.

Another type is thermal imaging. This tool detects heat. It can see in the dark and through fog or smoke by noticing temperature differences. These tools are used in security and on aircraft.

Night Vision Goggles

One common night-vision tool is the night vision goggle (NVG). It has two eyepieces, one for each eye, and can show images even in very little light. Some smaller devices, called monoculars, have just one eyepiece and can be attached to guns as night sights.

Today, night vision technology is used in many places, like flying planes and in cars. Some cars have special cameras that help drivers see better at night or in bad weather.