Ever wonder what those flashes of light and colors are when you rub your eyes or glance at a light source? Back in the 1600s, Isaac Newton was just as curious. He conducted experiments to better understand these visual illusions, now known as afterimages. These glowing patterns appear when your eyes are exposed to bright light or an image, lingering even after you close them. Whether you’re sitting by a campfire or accidentally staring at a bright light, these colors and shapes have a fascinating scientific explanation, which you’ll learn all about in this TED-Ed video!

[TED-ED]