Next up, stare at this flag for approximately 30 seconds (try not to blink if you can) then close your eyes or look at a white surface. Can you see the original in all its glory?
This image is an exact negative replica of the U.S.A.’s flag. By staring at it and then closing your eyes, you experience something known as a ‘negative afterimage’. This occurs when the photoreceptors in your eyes – primarily the cone cells – become fatigued due to overstimulation. This results in a loss of sensitivity in these particular cells, while the surrounding photoreceptors remain fresh. Once you close your eyes, these cells create a reaction that almost inverts the negative image, making it seem like you’re looking at the original colors. Remarkable!