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Chemistry

Materials That Glow in the Dark

Chemiluminescence, Fluorescence, Phosphorescence, and More

By , About.com Guide

Here's a collection of photos of materials that glow in the dark. Why do objects glow? It could be due to radioactive decay or a chemiluminescent reaction or any of a variety of other types of luminescence.

Images 1-12 of 38

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This is an example of the bioluminescent glow from a firefly, Photinus pyralis.Firefly GlowThis is an example of the chemiluminescence produced by the cyalume reaction in a lightstick.Cyalume ChemiluminescenceThe quinine in tonic water causes it to grow bright blue under a black light.Tonic Water GlowMany jellyfish exhibit bioluminescence, like that seen from this Aequorea victoria specimen.Jellyfish Bioluminescence
The Emperor Scorpion fluoresces blue-green under a black light.Fluorescent Emperor ScorpionThis is a collection of fluorescent minerals, shown under ultraviolet light.Fluorescent MineralsThis is just an ordinary paper airplane. Most white paper glows brilliant blue under black light.Glowing Paper AirplaneThe ice cubes in this drink glow in the dark.Glow in the Dark Ice
This spooky Halloween pumpkin glows in the dark.Glowing Jack-o-LanternThe spots of ripe bananas glow fluorescent blue under a black or ultraviolet lamp.Banana FluorescenceGlowsticks or lightsticks are available in a variety of colors.GlowsticksThe blue glow is characteristic of luminol chemiluminescence.Luminol Chemiluminescence

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