Polarized Sunglasses/goggles

[CloudOnMyTongue 0]

I've heard that pilots do not wear polarized lenses as it could cause difficulties viewing the horizon. (I could be totally wrong)

As a skydiver could there be any inherent problem with wearing lenses that are polarized.

If given the option is it better to find a lense that is polarized?

[quade 4]

The practice of pilots not wearing polarized sunglasses has to do with making certain judgements based on visual cues. Since view through polarized sunglasses can alter perceptions for some things, it's thought that generally speaking they should be avoided.

There -are-, in fact, some times where wearing polarized sunglasses would actually be a benefit to piloting -- skydiving as well.

I would NOT recommend them for pond swooping as they may make it more difficult to judge height over water.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[bch7773 0]

how would polarized lenses help that much in skydiving?
I think i remember learning in physics that the polarized lenses block out only reflected light, like light off a lake. this is why fishermen like them

but why would you even want to wear them in skydiving?

MB 3528, RB 1182

[towerrat 0]

maybe it's just me but I don't seem to have a problem judging height in my Bolle's.They make everything crisp and clear. Maybe I'm still relying on my sight picture?

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes!

[darkwing 5]

Quote

I think i remember learning in physics that the polarized lenses block out only reflected light, like light off a lake. this is why fishermen like them

but why would you even want to wear them in skydiving?

The Physics Guys sez - polarizing lenses block out one-half of "natural" light (ie, unpolarized light) They block out more of reflected light, since it is preferentially (but not completely) polarized by reflection from horizontal surfaces.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[Fab 0]

" think i remember learning in physics that the polarized lenses block out only reflected light, like light off a lake. this is why fishermen like them "

not true. Polarized lenses only let light though which is polarized in one direction. The other direction is blocked. In terms of x,y,z (3-d)..light travels in the direction of z and the lightwave vibrates in the x-y plane...then x or y is blocked in a polarized lens.

Hold two polarized lenses behind each other and turn one 90 degrees and you wont see anything though it.....

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[quade 4]

Again, it's a theoretical issue with judging height over water.

Reflections on the surface of the water help to give depth cues. Remove them by using polarized sunglasses and it's less easy to judge your height above the water. If the water has a lot of pond scum or other particals in it, it might not matter at all, but over crystal clear water it could definately be an issue.

If you have access to a seaplane pilot . . . ask him about landing on water.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[AndyMan 7]

My geekdom is failing me.

What does "polarized in one direction" mean? For that matter, what does the term "polarized" mean in relation to light?

_Am

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You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[quade 4]

http://polarization.com/
http://acept.la.asu.edu/PiN/rdg/polarize/polarize.shtml

Short answer.
Light waves vibrate in many directions. Polarized light only vibrates in one plane. By putting a polarizer in front of your eyes, you can only see light polarized in the same plane as that of the polarizer.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[Fab 0]

Didn't I just said the same thing?

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[quade 4]

Yes, you basically said the same thing, but he clearly didn't understand.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[kallend 2,147]

Quote

" think i remember learning in physics that the polarized lenses block out only reflected light, like light off a lake. this is why fishermen like them "

not true. Polarized lenses only let light though which is polarized in one direction. The other direction is blocked. In terms of x,y,z (3-d)..light travels in the direction of z and the lightwave vibrates in the x-y plane...then x or y is blocked in a polarized lens.

Hold two polarized lenses behind each other and turn one 90 degrees and you wont see anything though it.....

Very good. Now look up "Brewster Angle" on Google and you will see why polarized sunglasses preferentially block reflected light, just like he said.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[Fab 0]

hmmm...I thought he said ONLY reflected light is blocked by polaroid...which is not true because light that is not reflected is also being filtered through polaroid

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