Luminescence/en

Luminescence

Luminescent hands and hourmarkers

Luminescence is light that usually occurs at low temperatures, and is thus a form of cold body radiation. It can be caused by chemical reactions, electrical energy, subatomic motions, or stress on a crystal. The dials, hands, scales and signs of aviation and navigational instruments and markings are often coated with luminescent materials, in a process known as luminising.

See also: Leuchtfarbe.