Answer to Question #67 in Optics for Ariana

Question

Can I look directly at the sun at noontime? Won't it burn the eyes?

Answer 1

The emission spectrum of the sun is very close to the emission spectrum of the so-called blackbody. This is the exactly that option of lighting which suits the human eye best, because the eyes have time to adapt to it for many thousands of years of evolution and during the life of every individual.

And although it is not recommended to look at the sun at its zenith without preparation especially if it causes discomfort in the eyes, from a physical point of view such a procedure must not cause direct damage to the eyes, on the contrary to the observation of the arc welding or a charge in the plasma.