Why night vision is green and the myth about red goggles seeing 'demons'

Published on March 20, 2026
Duration: 1:08

This video from Forgotten Weapons, featuring an expert instructor, explains the technical reasons behind the green color of night vision devices. It details how phosphor screen technology and the human eye's perception of the visual spectrum lead to green being the standard. The expert also debunks the myth of red goggles in Vietnam seeing 'demons', clarifying that color filters do not alter the perceived image content.

Quick Summary

Night vision is typically green because the phosphor screen emits green light, which is in the middle of the human visual spectrum, allowing the eye to perceive the most shades of green for better detail recognition. White phosphor offers higher contrast, and the myth about red goggles seeing 'demons' is false; color filters don't change the image content.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Red Goggles Myth & Venture Surplus
  2. 00:00Phosphor Screen Color Source
  3. 00:15Why Green Phosphor is Used
  4. 00:29Benefits of White Phosphor
  5. 00:48Debunking Red Night Vision 'Demons' Myth

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is night vision typically green?

Night vision is usually green because the phosphor screen emits green light, which is positioned in the middle of the human visual spectrum. This allows the eye to perceive the most shades of green, aiding in detail recognition.

Does white phosphor improve night vision?

White phosphor can offer higher contrast between black and white elements in the night vision image. This increased contrast may make it easier for some individuals to discern objects and details compared to traditional green phosphor displays.

Is the myth about red night vision goggles seeing 'demons' true?

No, the rumor about red night vision prototypes in Vietnam seeing 'demons' is a myth. The color of the phosphor screen, whether red or green, is simply the display's output and does not alter the actual image content or reveal supernatural entities.

What determines the color of a night vision display?

The color of a night vision display is determined by the type of phosphor used on the screen. Different phosphors emit different colors when activated, similar to how old monochrome computer monitors displayed text in amber or green.

Related News

All News →

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →