A solar eclipse can bring about unique visual effects on Earth, including changes in how people perceive colors and shadows due to the dimming of light when the moon blocks the sun. This phenomenon is known as the Purkinje effect, named after scientist Johannes Evangelista Purkinje.
Key Points
Purkinje effect causes changes in color perception due to the dimming light during a solar eclipse
Eclipse leads to transition from photopic vision to scotopic night vision
Shadows become sharper and may exhibit crescent shapes during an eclipse
Pros
Opportunity to witness unique celestial phenomena
Chance to observe the Purkinje effect and its impact on color perception
Cons
Limited visibility of effects to those along the path of totality