Can Colorblind People See the Northern Lights?: Discover the visual experience of the aurora borealis in 1 Minute

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a stunning natural phenomenon characterized by vibrant displays of color—most commonly green, pink, red, yellow, blue, and violet—dancing across the polar skies. But what about those with color vision deficiencies? Can colorblind people see the Northern Lights, and if so, how do they experience these celestial light shows?

Yes, most colorblind people can see the Northern Lights, but their experience differs from those with typical color vision. Colorblindness, most often referring to red-green deficiencies, affects how specific colors are perceived, not whether lights or shapes can be seen at all. Because the Aurora Borealis typically emits a strong greenish hue (due to high concentrations of oxygen about 60 miles up), individuals with red-green colorblindness may still perceive the lights, though perhaps with less intensity or color distinction. Shades such as deep reds or subtle blues, however, might not be as visible or might blend with the surrounding sky for someone with more severe color deficiencies.

As a designer, I always think about how to make visual experiences as accessible as possible. That includes planning lighting installations or public displays so that everyone—regardless of their level of color vision—can appreciate the magic. If you’re curious how a colorblind visitor might perceive colors in their home or want to simulate different lighting effects before traveling to see the aurora, a visualization tool designed for interior spaces and lighting can help you map out multiple color schemes and lighting types, simulating various vision abilities. It's a great way to ensure shared visual moments truly feel inclusive.

Tips 1:

If you’re planning an aurora-viewing trip, consider using camera settings or night modes that enhance light contrast, as these can sometimes sharpen differences even for those with color vision deficiencies.

FAQ

Q: Can someone with total colorblindness (monochromacy) see the Northern Lights?

A: Yes, but they will only see different shades of gray, as they cannot perceive any color at all.

Q: Are the Northern Lights visible to people with blue-yellow colorblindness?

A: Generally, yes. The most prominent colors (greens and reds) may still be perceivable, though blue shades might appear less vivid or blend into the background.

Q: Do camera photos of the Northern Lights look different to colorblind people?

A: Yes, the photos will look different to those with color vision deficiencies, just as the real aurora would. Some photo-editing tools can simulate colorblind vision to preview this effect.

Q: Is there technology to help colorblind people see more of the colors in the aurora?

A: While some glasses claim to enhance color contrast for certain types of colorblindness, results are mixed and not guaranteed, especially for subtle or rare aurora color variations.

Q: What is the most visible aurora color for colorblind individuals?

A: Bright green is typically the easiest aurora color for most people, including those with common forms of colorblindness, to perceive.