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What are those colors you see when you rub your eyes? - Paul CJ Taylor

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27 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

In the 1600s, Isaac Newton conducted a series of experiments to better understand the lights and colors that sometimes appear when your eyes are closed. If you’ve ever sat around an evening campfire or unintentionally glanced at the Sun, you may have noticed illuminated patterns briefly dance along your vision. So how do these visual illusions form? Paul Taylor explores the science of afterimages.

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Sofia Pashaei
  • Educator Paul CJ Taylor
  • Narrator Alexandra Panzer
  • Composer Cem Misirlioglu, Work Play Work
  • Sound Designer Cem Misirlioglu, Work Play Work
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Produced by Abdallah Ewis
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Shannon Odell
  • Script Editor Max G. Levy
  • Fact-Checker Charles Wallace

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