The Science of Iridescence is INCREDIBLE

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Why do we see rainbows in soap bubbles? What makes an oil slick so oddly beautiful? Iridescent colors, which transform depending on the angle you look at them, are all over nature. How does physics make these shifting rainbows? We’re going to find out with the help of the National Museum of Natural History's most spectacular specimens - from bird feathers and beetle wings to fossils and gemstones.
Check out some of my other videos about color in nature:
In search of the blackest thing on Earth • In Search of the Black...
Why is blue so rare in nature? • Why Is Blue So Rare In...
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[@leonbrumett6155]

I am colorblind, and sometimes I am so jealous of the spectrum of beauty that I miss out on. I’m almost tearing up watching this video and seeing these comments describing the awe inspiring beauty of this phenomenon. I appreciate this channel and how articulately they can communicate these concepts in physics and biology. You guys provide a great service, and it is appreciated.

[@mellie4174]

Sending hugs!

[@RosheenQuynh]

There are ways around your colorblindness!

[@noblecyborg-savage]

Yea I heard those glasses are getting pretty cheap? Like $300 or $400 I last heard or I'm making it up but it's a small price to pay to be able to see colors if you're color blind

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Find the secret 👉👉Dominion (2018)

[@plarnston]

@@RosheenQuynh For some types, not all. My best friend is colorblind, and depending on the specific type he may or may not be able to get glasses that can help. Protanopia vs protanomaly..etc

[@CDRaff]

My dad had an opal ring that I used to stare at every time we talked. It looked like a galaxy on his finger set in this weirdly gaudy gold ring. It disappeared during a move shortly after he passed. One of my biggest regrets is not making sure it was in a safe place.

[@RosheenQuynh]

From one dadless person to another (forgive the wording), I feel you, man.

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Find the secret 👉👉Dominion (2018)

[@hellovicki6779]

I live in Adelaide. South Australia (opal country is in rural SA) and our museum displays the opalized skeleton of an aquatic dinosaur 2-3 metres long. It is absolutely beautiful. It might even feature online, it is worth a view if you can find it.

[@TheOde28]

I found after death of my Dad that things like that (very personal, symbolic ones) sometimes disappear after the person is gone. I am so sorry for the loss of your father.

[@AlexOotzaAkaSharpy]

As a scientist, I study exactly this coloration in animals, and I must admit, I still get excited watching this video! Amazing, thank you for bringing awareness to this topic! I have dedicated a good portion of my life to it!

[@samanthashuster8991]

That's awesome

[@stevenwilson5556]

Do you see any human-useful applications of your life long research beyond the curious study of animals?

[@besmart]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevenwilson5556]

@@HypeHouseHomie It was an honest question although I will admit it could be read as a sarcastic response. That's the problem with written communication in general.

[@brianhuffman2070]

Well as a model of a modern major general expert in all things vegetable, animal and mineral, this is not exciting at all

[@dabiskitt]

I would love a clothing brand that uses technology based off of animals to make iridescent clothing

[@aHat69]

I found some product you're talking about yesterday but that particular brand not all of their product are like that, only some of it. So what ur looking for is already there on the market.

[@DataCab1e]

See Marty McFly Jr.'s cap in Bttf2. (Though I think that one's lenticular.)

[@prapanthebachelorette6803]

Interesting

[@crewrangergaming9582]

these are out there already and it looks cringe.

[@aHat69]

@@crewrangergaming9582 I agree, most products uses the color as the main focal point when it should be utilized as a lowkey accentuation point bcs the color itself is already eye catching. So using it in a big way is just overwhelming & too much, but to each their own ig.

[@RachelsSweetie]

As a first-grader in the 70s I painted a rock to look like a beetle with rainbow wings. For decades I've wondered why I did that. Now I know I was seeing iridescence. Everything looks more amazing to first-graders and scientists.

[@zacd4902]

And stoners

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Find the secret 👉👉Dominion (2018)

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Scientists... are just 1st graders who have gotten older and larger.

[@digitaldritten]

@@rickkwitkoski1976 and who never lost their childhood curiosity and wonder

[@janemiettinen5176]

As an artist, I love iridescent paints! When for the very first time I could paint a dragonfly as it really is, I think I died and went to heaven. I could spend days in the backrooms of that museum, just drinking the colors in.

[@sheilaross1449]

Me too. Iridescent paints were the best purchase I made in years. Check out orchid bees!

[@crisbycris4012]

Seems we artists have the same reaction to iridescent paint.

[@namel.8578]

Lovely comment

[@Jndthree]

Videos like this are what the internet was supposed to be. I watch this with my baby girl and it's like we are hypnotized. With all the spam and creeps and stuff that are all over the web this video and the millions like it make me so glad there is an internet and a KZbin in the world. Thank You "BE SMART" for contributing to Society in your way and please don't stop.

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Find the secret 👉👉Dominion (2018)

[@fruitbouquet5479]

The “unappetizingly beautiful” analysis makes perfect sense

[@alexixeno4223]

Please remember to always choose the lesser of two weevils!

[@PLuMUK54]

Next! Kindly leave the stage please...

[@StuffandThings_]

Some plants are iridescent too! I'm surprised this wasn't brought up. Once again its a bit of a mystery, but might have to do with more efficient photosynthesis in low light conditions.

[@markwentz8332]

the red flash from a Ruby Throated Hummingbird & and the blue green of a Jewel Wasp are some of the most amazing colours in nature i've witnessed

[@brianedwards7142]

Here in South Australia we have the blue ant which is actually an iridescent wingless wasp with a heinous sting I can personally attest to.

[@mirjanbouma]

But you didn't die!

[@brianedwards7142]

@@mirjanbouma Are you sure? *makes theremin noise* 👻

[@mirjanbouma]

@@brianedwards7142 ... Fair point. Bonus points for the theremin mention 👍🏻

[@JDubyafoto]

I'm rather curious about two things: 1) How are stones/minerals like agates, jasper, morrisonite and others formed, and 2) Why do some minerals fluoresce under UV light?

[@nunyabiznes33]

Why does alexandrite change color?

[@SilverAura]

Fluoresce is actually so much cooler than anyone could imagine! To keep it fairly simple, most of us are already aware of the fact that light can exist both above and below the visible spectrum our eyes perceive as color. Inferred refers to light waves larger than what we see as Red; Ultraviolet - the key component in fluorescence - is light waves smaller than what we see as Violet. When light reflects off an object, it absorbs all but the light we see, so something red ironically absorbs everything but red, so the reflected light we see is red. This explains the vast majority of what we see. However, there are certain colors that don't just reflect back what isn't absorbed. Instead, they'll absorb some and reflect the rest back at a lower energy level. Under normal light, this simply shifts the color slightly. However, when lit with near ultraviolet light (such as a black light), the material can absorb some of it, and reflect the rest in a lower energy state. When that lower energy state dips into our visible spectrum, it often appears like bright vibrant light is suddenly pouring out of pigments which otherwise appear dimly lit. In reality, it's very well lit - but it's not until the light falls just within the visible spectrum, that you can see just how much light is actually there.

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Find the secret 👉👉Dominion (2018)

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@nunyabiznes33 what is That bird picture? I like it☺️🤔

[@HawthorneHillNaturePreserve]

This GUY Dr. Joe Hanson has to be one of the best science communicators and educators I’ve ever seen! Young or old, he manages to capture your attention with his passion! Combined with this awesome channel, it has to be one of my favorite must see channels. Thanks Dr. Joe Hanson for being so incredible! ❤

[@christianheichel]

Along with his twin Hank Green and his other two brothers from The Proclaimer's

[@SilverViper1000]

Greetings from Germany. Just discovered this channel a few weeks ago and consumed a lot of its content in little time. I love it. Its so worthy to have channels like this!!! Please keep on doing!!!

[@fsexplorer9727]

You're in for a treat! they've been making these videos for over 10 years, so you've got a lot of content just like this!

[@samanthashuster8991]

​@@fsexplorer9727 I miss when they were called 'its okay to be smart'. 'be smart' is so boring

[@onurmsrc2433]

@@samanthashuster8991 I definitely missed too. It is like "its okay to be smart" has more meaning and touches the heart

[@fsexplorer9727]

@@samanthashuster8991 You're right, definitely missed that name, it brings nostalgia just to see it again. Thankfully, you can still see it in the url of their user account I guess?

[@micahbirdlover8152]

@@samanthashuster8991 I miss it too🥺

[@Momcat_maggiefelinefan]

Great presentation! I’ve liked iridescence and opalescence all my life. I have a collection of iridescent beetles I bought from a fellow I met at a craft show. He imported dehydrated ethically harvested insects from all over the world. Made the walnut frames and mounted the insects himself. My bedroom is my bug room and I love it. Now my adult kids are picking and choosing the ones they want! Gifting them to my grandkids, 11 and 6, instead. They love to sleep in Grandma’s room with the bugs. 🇨🇦🖖🏻🇨🇦

[@snaxicakes]

I used to draw those feather barbules as an abstract doodle all the time, I had no idea what it was...cool to know it was kinda scientific 😝

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Find the secret 👉👉Dominion (2018)

[@pikapomelo]

Love the combination of demonstrations and explanations and jokes! What wonderful videos! Thanks

[@luzellemoller6621]

Ye

[@luzellemoller6621]

@Don't Read My Profile Picture don't be off topic I mean very very very very on topic

[@luzellemoller6621]

@Don't Read My Profile Picture you mean username?

[@luzellemoller6621]

@Don't Read My Profile Picture it's -_-

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Want to be a billionaire? Solve this problem 👉 The Connections (2021) [short documentary] 🔥

[@nerd_alert927]

This has to be one of the best videos on this channel.

[@DanielIngegneri]

I noticed the panelling with the logo in the background of the first few seconds, subtle and looks great!

[@whatamidoingwithmylifelol_]

Anything shiny and/or color-shifting filled me with instant awe ✨

[@Scraggledust]

Oh gosh! Got to put up hummingbird feeder! Love the green variations! Have some lovely iridescent 🪲 in my yard. My fav is the iridescent sweat bees and pollination bees. Found out the iridescent pollination bee-flies are actually endangered.

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Want to be a billionaire? Solve this problem 👉 The Connections (2021) [short documentary] 🔥

[@Joowmama]

Been watching this channel for a long time, never regretted clicking on any of your videos, keep up the great work

[@LSDMTHC42069]

I have a chrysina species/jeweled scarab beetle in resin dangling from my neck have been wearing it everyday for years, I was actually holding it up to the sunlight and looking at it when you showed one in the video 🐸 love this video and all your content, thank you for teaching us 💗

[@VeganSemihCyprus33]

Want to be a billionaire? Solve this problem 👉 The Connections (2021) [short documentary] 🔥

[@tf2349]

I cannot believe how intriguing this is. It has been infront of me this entire time, just in my garden there are beetles and birds that have this. I never would have though so deeply about a beauty that I took for granted my entire life.

[@lspthrattan]

I used to have a 2nd story balcony that looked out over a big yard; I put a hummingbird feeder on a very small tree nearby, and was delighted to realize just how gorgeous the little critters are from above--especially nice since they don't see you up there, and therefore you don't get dive-bombed by the more territorial ones! They're small and pretty, but they're fierce!

[@DrewSprague1218]

Joe's various impressions at the end cracked me up. Great Ed Sullivan!

[@Mystipaoniz]

7:08 that green is just fantastic!

[@Zyxwvutsrqponmlkjih]

I’d love if you talked about WHY rainbows are so attractive aesthetically to our human brains.

[@noeldenever]

Joe...you got loads of great content, but I think this one is your best so far. Can't stop ooh-ing and aahh-ing like a kid for the whole video. Thank you, it's such a delightful watch ❤️

[@mutegikimathi6258]

The science-y bit is okay and all, but man, having rocks, fossils, beetles, museums --some of the most uninteresting words --in one short video and making it interesting. You are a legend...

[@BlueFlagGarage]

Maybe do a color video on the Florescent color of corals from the ocean. That has to be the wildest color schemes you can find in nature. I can't think of anything that glows as well as corals do.

[@SynthRockViking]

When I take shrooms, iridescence is everywhere and it's God damn beautiful 😫

[@TaterKakez]

I have a rainbow ammonite- gorgeous! Iridescent rainbows in the fossil; loved this!!

[@hectorheslop9397]

Amazing how the iridescent colors remain vibrant and alive even after the birds have been dead for so long .

[@fourhundredandfiftynine]

Hii, im currently taking biology in high school rn and your videos have been such an inspiration! Love your content bro, keep it up.

[@GaymerJenn]

Spot on Beatles impression at the end 😂

[@Eliegough]

This was so fascinating. The natural world is a beautiful place. ✨️✨️✨️

[@LSDMTHC42069]

I am obsessed with iridescence lol have many minerals, crystals, insects, living creatures bc of their beautiful iridescence

[@Dovietail]

One of my FAVORITE effects in nature!

[@merenzrot]

Admittedly, I used to hate my opal birthstone and thought it was boring. Luckily they grew on me and now I love opals. Such a diverse stone

[@mrjson3039]

Came for the science, stayed for the puns. Seriously, their were... Brilliant

[@NatsAstrea]

What is also really interesting is that our brains are capable of perceiving this beauty, and perceiving it AS beauty (as well as fascinating, and stimulating to look into the why of things, etc.)!

[@WAMTAT]

An illuminating video. Thank you for making such amazing content

[@photondance]

I was a molecular biology major for two years, but I got distracted by art. I never regretted this change, but I often wonder how different my life would be.

[@Black-pq2iw]

Holy cow then iridescence is like a representation of you

[@jpe1]

And butterflies! Lots of amazing iridescence in butterfly wings.

[@gerardotzab4620]

Everytime I watch one of his videos I can't help but be amazed for everything I learn and how much does he know. But what amazes me the most it's how can I be attracted to someone's intelligence and knowledge. Definitely I have a crush on him.

[@stanvelchoxx]

I have always loved iridescence and have many pieces in my closet that reflect this. AWESOME episode! Did I say I loved it? I think I am actually obsessed!

[@___Kelli___]

I love these videos wish they came out more frequently.

[@eementexi3062]

I never knew I was this fascinated about beatles.

[@Rafahelllll]

Very good video! Educacional, lighthearted and some of the most beautifull animals/stones i have seen. Thanks

[@deeproff1294]

Excellent information. Thank you.

[@miss_walderdbeere]

The birdwing joke flew right over my head.

[@georgefowler2071]

So happy you’re back!

[@wjpperry1]

Great video. Thank you

[@rohaansahu2924]

The "Bird - Wing" joke was good.Really 👏🏻👏🏻🤟🏻

[@bbbenj]

Wonderful images!

[@hitesh_blues2353]

My research involves studying Cyanobacteria and I have always been fascinated with the array of colors packed within these microorganisms. There is deep blue from phycoyanin, light pink from erythrophycocyanin, green from chlorophyll, and yellow from carotenes and xanthophylls. How colorful is the life on Earth!! Thank you, Joe 😀

[@bobtuckey2409]

Hi Joe, Bob here. Isn’t nature amazing! Great episode.😊

[@OslerS]

I've never thought that I could be so amazed by looking at dead animals and rocks💀💀, anyway very interesting things that we usually don't get to ask much about are sometimes the most beautiful ones thanks for kepping us curious Joe!

[@starrywizdom]

OOOOOOOH, all the lovely eye candy! I'm hooked on iridescence, & hope to acquire an opalized ammonite some day.

[@dave70a]

Excellent. Thank you

[@melody3741]

Can we take a moment to appreciate how we have two eyes to give the amazing shimmering effect it has?

[@asterlofts1565]

Bismuth is one of those beautiful elements with iridescence too.

[@victoriaeads6126]

We have peacocks and peahens, and in the summer we have SO many Ruby Throated Hummingbirds. I'm quite biased toward the incredible beauty of our peababies, but those hummingbirds are just as beautiful.

[@jenkem4464]

Deep Look also did a fantastic short regarding this effect on the Morpho Butterfly.

[@JamesGibsonVideo]

I wonder if there has been any study of this iridescent effect, but for frequencies below the visible spectrum? I imagine they would interfere at larger scales than these micro arrangements, right?. What would be the scale of the pits/shapes needed to create "iridescence" in radio waves? Is there a low enough frequency of radio wave, in which something like gravel or sand might become iridescent in some sense?

[@StellarLimpkin]

Birds! My very favorite forms of animals.

[@matthew_thefallen]

I freaking love opalized fossils! :D they are the rarest i think

[@oneilgoisot9615]

Could you make a video in this rock lab? I'm sure there's a ton of incredible crystal's ! Also a good close subject is the color of metals, why copper color is this particular? Same for gold and so on

[@SimOmega47]

13:57 Labradorite 14:10 Hematite (a ferrous oxide, in the family of common rust/limonite) Remember: Nature is awesome. (just as the sciences who study it)

[@corvid1968]

It's all too beautiful!

[@Radiomasson]

thanks for these awsomme vids

[@asterlofts1565]

Another example of beauty is the Quetzal, in Mexico. It is so beautiful. I think it also has iridescence.

[@nicklawlor5257]

Literally asked myself how does iridescence work 3 hours ago watching a hank green short on bismuth

[@Gigaheart]

Amazing video

[@coco-chan-]

Joe puts so much efforts in the video 😭 keep making us curious

[@psiga]

Liking, commenting, and already subscribed! ^‿^ Thank you for this glorious little light show. Organically evolved diffraction gratings are so gorgeous!

[@utej.k.bemsel4777]

Just WOW!

[@williamsurname4669]

Ooh, pretty colours.

[@ApplesBear]

It is a great video, thanks a lot for your work! PS Animation of light waves is a bit confusing - it's not quite correct and don't really helps to understand what's going on. I feel like it can be more detailed and educational.

[@stevecannon4780]

I have Austrolorp hens in my back yard. They are a beautiful black with iridescent green and purple on the feathers. Talk about beautiful chickens! They are also known for their sweet personalities. It's snowing in Tucson tonight. I hope our hummingbirds and finches are dealing with it well. I love both but especially the Goldfinches.

[@kellywinfrey2481]

Have to Google where I can buy opalized bones now. Loved this one. ❤️

[@GiftIdeh-cg7id]

Nature looking at colour being like "I can make them more complicated than it needs to be"

[@falgunibarua5087]

I loved it.

[@adamwishneusky]

I’m confused: you mention refraction and bending several times but the diagrams only show reflection and interference. Is the bending of different wavelengths of light at different angles involved but not shown?

[@FairMiles]

I think the animations were not very useful today. I would have preferred white light entering, or at least a couple of different coloured rays, so the effects of interference on different wavelengths and angles of reception could have been shown

[@WillowEverlight]

The opalized whalebone is amazing.

[@guntherkossler2840]

same reason why people have blue eyes. they lack melanin but the structure of the iris reflects the blue color of light

[@theemaygoogleme151]

Great stuff. I do wish you had gone into more depth on the fossil ammonite since my understanding is that the nacre contains orthorhombic(sp?) crystal structures that cause the iridescence within about the top one tenth of a millimeter.

[@Beluga-lk9mu]

I never thought I’d learn so much from William Defoe.

[@aggiesce]

J.B.S. Haldane looking like Marshall Erickson's doppelganger!

[@Spangletiger]

Visiting the Pitt Rivers museum Oxford when I was on a student visit, I marvelled at a necklace made up of tiny, long, iridescent 'beads'. I nearly died when I looked to see what the beads were made of. I was expecting them to be glass but, no, they were beetle leg segments.😂

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

There was a bit of a craze for using imported iridescent beetle wing-cases in beading on dresses during Victorian times, too... The result is fairly stunning, even though it probably joins their human-hair mourning jewellery amongst the things that seem weird to modern sensibilities! 😏 (Some of the latter is incredibly intricate & delicate too, well worth a quick Google if you're unfamiliar?)

[@Spangletiger]

@@anna_in_aotearoa3166 Definitely out-creeps the hair mourning jewellery. I've heard about live beetle jewellery but didn't realise that they are still being sold. Absolutely gross, in so many ways!

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

@@Spangletiger It does feel a little bit like decorating with teeth...?? 😅 (And yes, I've seen a few rings etc w tooth settings too, yikes! 🤦🏻‍♀️) It's true that the results are beautiful - I've seen a few hardcore historical recreationalists who've made dresses with beetlewing decoration, as per the 1800s originals? But I think most would probably opt for iridescent beads & sequins instead, esp. if glass rather than just plastic.

[@Spangletiger]

@@anna_in_aotearoa3166 Agree 💯 with using alternatives! 😂

[@OddWomanOut_Pi81]

Well, good to know that the Earth and I are both fond of jewel-tones. 😉

[@corlisscrabtree3647]

Thank you 🙏

[@scoretowin4600]

the last bit with the beatles😂

[@eschwarz1003]

"Jeweled Messengers" title of Attenborough doc on hummingbirds

[@ignacioloera3967]

Amazing Video!

[@TheGoodContent37]

The animator really loved his 3 line graphic of light...

[@brianedwards7142]

A while back I had a dream about a horse with iridescent blue hair.

[@bnthern]

love your presentation - enjoyment, hard science in small doses for this 76 year old and my 6 year old greatgrand daughter!