Eli5: Why aren’t car headlights green?

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So, people see best in the wavelength around 500nm which is a green/blue color. Why aren’t car headlights this color to improve visibility? Why can’t you buy headlight bulbs that emit bright green light? A white light with a green filter would just make it more dim, but on headlights you want brightness.

In: Technology

9 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Thank you all for your answers. It totally makes sense that non-green objects would appear ‘unilluminated,’ if that’s a word.

I think my idea originated from night-vision goggles being green due to the…. phosphorous? Maybe? It’s been a while.

Maybe I need more experience in different narrow-wavelength lighted rooms.

Again, thank you all for your quick and perfect answers.

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