Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
8
↓
Detecting objects in the shade vs in the sun (self.Blind)
submitted by FeelsLikeForever
A blind family friend just posted the following on Facebook. Curious if anyone out there knows the answer
"As a blind person walking outdoors, I can usually sense when I’m going pass or close to an object like a wall, a tree, pall, or a parked vehicle because the flow of air changes. The object restricts the air flow as I walk pass it and I can locate the exact place of it with my cane, especially if I come to the shady side of it or if it is night time. However if the sun reflects fully on to the object, I can’t find it and don’t feel the restriction in the air and can walk straight into it. Would anyone know why I can feel the presence of an object in the shade but not when the sun reflects on it? Is there an explanation to it?"
"As a blind person walking outdoors, I can usually sense when I’m going pass or close to an object like a wall, a tree, pall, or a parked vehicle because the flow of air changes. The object restricts the air flow as I walk pass it and I can locate the exact place of it with my cane, especially if I come to the shady side of it or if it is night time. However if the sun reflects fully on to the object, I can’t find it and don’t feel the restriction in the air and can walk straight into it. Would anyone know why I can feel the presence of an object in the shade but not when the sun reflects on it? Is there an explanation to it?"
fastfinge 4 points 6y ago
I suspect it has something to do with heat making the air more still. Plus it can be harder to feel hot, sunny air move against your skin. I've noticed the same thing, but never really thought about why. So that's just a guess.
tymme 3 points 6y ago
I used to walk to work and one long block was a brick wall; I'd still hear the difference either way. However, that was also the side of a busy street so I had the acoustics of cars and other activity to add to the usual sounds.
However, it looks like sound is refracted more when there's a difference in air temperatures (e.g., cooler shadow vs open sunlight or cooler air and warmer ground at night).
I'd also guess that shade means there's something else in the way to provide a point of reference vs a wide open space that's all sunny... and nighttime is just generally quieter so easier to hear.
However, it looks like sound is refracted more when there's a difference in air temperatures (e.g., cooler shadow vs open sunlight or cooler air and warmer ground at night).
I'd also guess that shade means there's something else in the way to provide a point of reference vs a wide open space that's all sunny... and nighttime is just generally quieter so easier to hear.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.