Even in the dark, most of us can still see. Well, we can see up to a point. Animals, on the other hand, are able to see a lot more detail in low-light or no-light situations than us and the following explains some factors, both biological and environmental, that make this possible.

Augmented Human Vision We have two ranges that we incorporate to intensify our night vision they are known as the spectral range and infrared range. When we use our spectral range it allows us to take advantage of what is normally invisible to the naked eye. We can see into the infrared and ultraviolet spectrum's with the aid of such products as night vision goggles and binoculars. Special infrared optics in digital camera's also allow us to see within the infrared spectrum and can be used in thermal imaging as well.

Biological Human Vision As humans we have three types of vision that we naturally use in order to be able to see within any lighting situation, they are known as photopic, mesopic and scotopic. We see over a range of several million to one and with the photopic vision we see the highest light levels and this is what we use in the daytime. Scotopic works in extremely low light situations while our mesopic vision is what we use in low-light when no detail can be seen. When human eyesight goes from bright to dark, or dark to light it can take up to forty-five minutes for the eye's to adjust properly, but with animals it happens immediately.

Tapetum Lucidum A number of vertebrate animals rely on a layer of tissue called the tapetum lucidum located behind or within their retinas. There are four types of tapetum lucidum found in the variety of animals on the planet. This masterpiece of nature allows the light to be refracted back into the retina, allowing animals to have augmented vision which enables them to see in the dark. This happens instantly for them. The eyeshine you see in animals like cats, dogs, deer when light hits their eyes in the dark is a result of the tapetum lucidum. The eyeshine can occur in different colors like red, green or blue, depending on the animal.

Biological Animal Vision These are a few examples of how different animals can see in the dark.

Pit Vipers, and many other snakes, find their prey at night by smell and tasting the air and the use of deep pits on the side of their head that help them detect heat as a form of thermal vision.

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Fruit Bats have a folded retina that they use in conjunction with sonar allowing them to navigate and find food in the dark.

Owls have the ability to see small animals at the distance of a football field away. They have special lenses that can magnify information in the same way a telescope does.

Rays and sharks have flat refractive crystals of guanine that activate in murky waters to allow better sight.

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So as far as the naked eye is concerned it's pretty obvious that many if not all animals have a definite edge over us humans when it comes to seeing in the dark. But as luck would have it us humans have been able to develop night vision technology to the point where we can see very clearly in almost total darkness. But if you think your eye's can now compete with those of an animal I'm afraid you are sadly mistaken.

By Craig Mooney

Night vision technology has advanced so much in the past few years that it is being used in everyday life. Night goggles are frequently used for surveillance by security companies and outdoors men have incorporated the technology into their hunting scopes which enables them to hunt at night when most wild life are active.

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Working mechanism of night vision goggles

The basic principle on which nighttime vision glasses works is infrared radiation. Infrared radiations are basically the rays that can not be detected by naked eyes. This radiation reflects from any object coming in way depending upon the temperature of that particular object. A hotter object emits more infrared rays. The sensor integrated in night vision goggles receives these beams from the surrounding environ and makes it possible to view invisible images. These night vision goggles provide great assistance for viewing through dark and even in dense fog.

Home made nighttime vision goggles

This is cheapest approach for getting better quality images in extreme light circumstances like fog or night time. For making these goggles at home, the basic requirements are as a camera, negatives of pictures, headset, light bulbs, lens, wires, battery and four infrared led. 

Great Value Night Vision Goggles

ATN Viper Expandable Night Vision Goggle System

Newcon Optik Night Vision Night Scope Goggles NZT 22

Bushnell Night Vision Goggle with Headgear

Military night vision goggles

night vision glasses enable the fighters to view and attack the combatant during the condition of reduced visibility. Basically two types of night vision goggles are used by armed forces as image intensifiers and thermal imaging. Both these technologies work on distinctive principles and amplify the targeted image to the extent so that one can view that image easily without any strain on eyes. All these night vision equipments are basically to increase the normal viewing spectrum of eyes so that these could observe even dark and cloudy images.

Panoramic nighttime vision goggles
 
These goggles are enhanced versions of other traditional night vision goggles as panoramic goggles comprises image amplification tubes of size 4 x 16 mm while other use the intensification tubes of size 2 x 18 mm. This really makes a lot of difference in working mechanism of both goggles. These kinds of night vision goggles use the technique of auto gating that turns the overall front area to the double so that it could be easily detected by the customers.

Night vision goggles have really helped great to discover the things in dark light conditions and are used in defense sectors for ensuring safety and security.

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Today, night vision binocular have become one of the most popular product items in market and is basically used to see much amplified images even in the dark. The basic application areas of these night vision binoculars are those where a strict layer of security is acquired like in defense departments and other security personnel. 

You can buy Night Vision Binocular from US Cavalry

Generations of night vision binocular

Different generations have been defined depending upon the usage of these night vision binoculars. Night vision binocular of first generation has a surprising capability to intensify the ambient light with the factor of approximately 1000. These binoculars are normally affordable and are employed basically by civilians. To get a more qualitative product, second generation is also provided for getting sharp and bright pictures. Night vision binocular of third and forth generation are comparatively highly expensive and assist for viewing crystal clear pictures even in cloudy and dark conditions.

Working mechanism of Night Vision binocular

Some optics integrated in binoculars magnifies the subsisting light and makes the radiance evident to our eyes. Night vision binocular are widely used in infrared spectrum. With the advancement in technologies, some super quality night vision binoculars have been manufactured by expert producers that incorporate inbuilt illuminators for intensifying the infrared light.

Selection of appropriate Night vision binocular

Various categories have been launched in market ranging from simple children night vision binoculars to more classic and sophisticated binoculars. Before purchasing, you should be well familiar with the purpose like whether for scouting games, camping, exploring caves, night hunting, nighttime navigation, observation of wildlife or security and surveillance.

Night vision binoculars are most popular and fashionable durables that are made available in market. While purchasing night vision binocular, always determine the range that basically depends upon magnification, gain and resolution

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