What duration is typically required for human eyes to adapt fully to darkness for optimal meteor viewing?
Answer
About 20 to 30 minutes.
To truly appreciate the fainter meteors that compose the majority of a shower's activity, the observer's eyes must undergo a period of dark adaptation. This physiological process allows the rods in the retina to become maximally sensitive to low levels of light. The accepted duration for this adaptation process is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. During this crucial period, avoiding exposure to any bright screens, headlights, or other intense light sources is necessary, although using a device with a red-light mode is recommended if light is absolutely required, as red light minimally interferes with this sensitive adaptation process.
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