How long does dark adaptation, the process for rods to reach peak sensitivity, typically require in complete darkness?
Answer
20 to 30 minutes
Achieving peak sensitivity in the rod cells of the retina, a necessary condition for discerning the faint light of the Milky Way, is a gradual physiological process known as dark adaptation. This adjustment to true darkness takes a significant amount of time, generally spanning twenty to thirty minutes. Any interruption, such as glancing at a cell phone screen or using standard white light, will halt this process, requiring the observer to restart the adaptation period from the beginning.
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