People Can Only See Visible Light.
Light is a form of wave energy called electromagnetic radiation.
Visible light is the only kind of light that people can see.
Visible light comes in different colors.
Each visible light color has a different amount of energy.
Each visible light color has a different wavelength (these are shown on the chart.)
The greater the wavelength of of electromagnetic radiation, the smaller is its energy.
violet light, has the most energy and the smallest wavelength.
red light, has the least energy and the largest wavelength.
Butterflies have almost 360o vision that is clear.
The visible light range of butterflies varies from one species to another.
The vision range of all butterflies includes ultraviolet light.
Sunlight contains ultraviolet light.
Ultraviolet light (aka ultraviolet radiation), is a type of light energy.
Ultraviolet light has a greater energy than violet light (a form of light visible to people).
Ultraviolet light is visible to butterflies but not to people.
The top photo of the black-eyed Susan flower shows how the flower might look to you under visible light.
The bottom photo of the black-eyed Susan flower shows the additional markings seen by butterflies because of the ultraviolet light in sunlight. Biologist think these added markings guide butterflies to the nectar found in the center of the flower. What do you think? I am still wondering how scientists know what a bee sees. UUM! It is an interesting thought. If you have a definitive answer, please let me know.
