Light Reflection Mystery at the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of light reflection observed in a photograph taken at the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, specifically focusing on the varying colors reflected in different panes of glass. Participants explore potential causes for this effect, including the nature of light sources and the properties of the glass itself.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether different colored light sources from each side could be responsible for the observed color variations, suggesting that a yellowish light might contribute to the object's golden appearance.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the presence of different colored lights, recalling that there were white lights mounted on the ceiling.
  • A participant proposes that the glass panes might be coated with anti-reflex layers, suggesting that selective reflections could explain the color differences, with shorter wavelengths (blue) being reflected at the front and longer wavelengths (orange/red) at larger angles.
  • There is a follow-up inquiry regarding the workings of anti-reflex layers, indicating interest in understanding the underlying mechanisms behind the observed effects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved, with participants holding differing views on the cause of the color variations and the role of light sources and glass properties.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the presence of colored light sources or the specific effects of anti-reflex layers, leaving several assumptions and mechanisms unexplored.

thepopasmurf
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I took this photo in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. I hope it can be seen but the reflection of this silver thing is different colours in the different panes of glass. (Blue behind it, orange/red to the sides). What causes this effect? And why the particular colours?

http://a.imagehost.org/0777/light_effect.jpg
 
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is it a possibility that there's different colored light sources from each side? and the yellowish light on top of it which gives the object itself golden look?
dont laugh me out.
 
I'm fairly sure there aren't any different colour lights. As far as I can remember, there were white lights mounted on the ceiling.
 
Were the glass panes coated with anti-reflex layers?
It looks like selective reflections from thin layers. The normal reflection (front) selects shorter wavelength (blue) and the sides select longer wavelengths (at a larger angle).
 
I don't know. Seems likely if that anti-reflex stuff causes those kind of effects. Follow up question: Does anyone know how anti-reflex layers work?
 

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