Close your eyes and see the colors

Nicholas wanted to know the word for the blobs of color and patterns you see when you close your eyes really tightly.

The readers agree: Those natural light shows are phosphenes, caused by stimulation of the retina. When it's done by squeezing your eyes shut or gently - gently, please - rubbing your closed eyelids, they're known as "pressure phosphenes."

"You can get a really good show going by pressing your fingers gently against your eyelids," David says.

Ready for another question?

When I was outside in the wee hours of the morning recently to view the meteor showers, I noticed that the stars were much clearer with my glasses on than off. (I'm nearsighted.) How can they possibly help me see things better that are millions or billions of miles away? - Dottie

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