Beads at high altitude

I discovered today that colours seem to intensify at high altitude. "Why, how did you discover that, Marisa?", I hear you ask. In the green light of an alpine forest high in the Southern Alps I looked down and noticed that the bracelet I was wearing looked as though it was lit by an inner light. It happened to be a Tink bead combined with crystals, seeds and pearls (one of my favourite trekking bracelets, it's close fitting and sleek and doesn't catch on anything). It's the first time I've been at very high altitude (walking was an interesting experience, the air is thin and it's hard to catch your breath). Is it normal for colours to look different?

yes, because the sunlight is more direct, less diffusion. Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery

Maybe it was mica powers. (hehehe)

Are those applied with a Power Puff, girl?

Or is it Austin's little brother who sings and dances??? (ooooooo!)

Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery

How high? And I don't mean jump.

I used to live at Lake Tahoe which is 6,000 feet. More than a mile high. Rarified air. Hard to breathe if you're not used to it.

At higher altitudes there is less atmosphere to hold particles that interfere with reflection, and also the sky is much more blue. Deeper and more intense.

So, yes, it would make sense that you could see some differences. Those same conditions create "alpenglow", which also sounds like what you are describing.

Tina

vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from "Christina Peterson" :

]Those ]same conditions create "alpenglow", which also sounds like what you are ]describing.

what a pretty word for it!

would it be possible, i wonder, to take pictures in both locations, to show the difference, Marissa?

----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)

"Alpenglow" is a term that describes the light conditions in mountains, especially near dawn and dusk when there is light that refracts behind them.

Tina

I've noticed the same thing! High altitudes definitely alter my color perception; everything looks clearer and brighter. Of course, high altitudes (anything over about 3000 feet) also make me sick, since I was born and raised at basically sea level. Unfortunate! Everything is so pretty up there.

-Kalera

Marisa Cappetta wrote:

vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from Kalera Stratton :

]I've noticed the same thing! High altitudes definitely alter my color ]perception; everything looks clearer and brighter. Of course, high ]altitudes (anything over about 3000 feet) also make me sick, since I was ]born and raised at basically sea level. Unfortunate! Everything is so ]pretty up there.

seconded. it's back to ground level for me. even 2000 feet seems to mess me up.

----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)

and the sky glows apricot, like some carnival glass. Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery

Oh, that I already noticed :) I wish you were here too. If you ever come over, you stay with me Tinkerbell. I'll show you everything.

Ok, that makes sense.

I really don't know how high. Just, pretty darn!! I know I can walk...very slowly. And I have to stop a lot! I noticed that the sky was a more intense colour. Once the spots cleared from my eyes!!! Alpenglow....I love that word! Brook will be pleased to know it too. He agreed that the colours in my bracelet were more intense.

Pictures!! That's a good idea. I wonder if there will be any difference? I'll try it and see.

I love it up there, I'm a mountain goat! Walking makes me a little breathless, but not sick.

vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from "Marisa Cappetta" :

]Pictures!! That's a good idea. I wonder if there will be any difference? ]I'll try it and see.

COOL!

----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)

I've been told it applies to the backlit blues and purples too, but I guess it's more specifically the blushing apricot color.

Tina

When driving to Lake Tahoe, I always feel like a weight has been lifted at around 4,000 feet. And of course, it's literally true. The air weighs less. I feel like I can soar.

Tina

vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from snipped-for-privacy@aol.compuppies (Dr. Sooz) :

]Dammit, high altitudes give me a never-ending migraine.

they do me, too. altitude sickness.

even 2000 feet seems to be giving me problems and the doctors around here have to be careful with some meds in some people.

----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)