Subscribe now

Do we perceive colours around us differently to others?

Some see the shoe (pictured) as grey and green, but others perceive it to be pink and white. Is this due to differences in our brains, and if so, do we each perceive different versions of the colours that surround us?

30 December 2020

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

@dolansmalik/twitter

I see the shoes (pictured) as mint green and grey, but a friend sees pink and white. Is this due to differences in our brains? Are we continually seeing different versions of the colours around us?

Raymond Green, Kingussie, Highland, UK

My wife sees this shoe as pink and white while holding the magazine close up. However, by experimenting, we have found that from exactly 2.4 metres away, she sees it as green and grey. The change of colour is quite sudden. I see it as green and grey at whatever distance. We have never noticed any other differences in…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop