Uploaded August 2011 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
This is a collection of things that glow under a black light, also known as an ultraviolet light. Many common chemicals glow under a black light, including laundry detergent, toothpaste and specific brands such as Mr. Clean liquid and Irish Spring soap. Fluorescent dyes, including paints and highlighters, also glow under a black light. Body fluids, including urine, glow under a black light. There is a security strip in a US $20 bill that glows. Tonic water contains quinine, which glows bright blue under ultraviolet light. Photo credits: black light (Kallemax), minerals (Hannes Grobe), fluorescent dye (doctor-a), US $20 (Scott Nazaelrod), moon jellyfish (Hans Hillewaert), all others (Anne Helmenstine)
This is a collection of things that glow under a black light, also known as an ultraviolet light. Many common chemicals glow under a black light, including laundry detergent, toothpaste and specific brands such as Mr. Clean liquid and Irish Spring soap. Fluorescent dyes, including paints and highlighters, also glow under a black light. Body fluids, including urine, glow under a black light. There is a security strip in a US $20 bill that glows. Tonic water contains quinine, which glows bright blue under ultraviolet light. Photo credits: black light (Kallemax), minerals (Hannes Grobe), fluorescent dye (doctor-a), US $20 (Scott Nazaelrod), moon jellyfish (Hans Hillewaert), all others (Anne Helmenstine)
