ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Ambient optic array

Picture an array of tiny lights scattered all around you, like stars in the sky. These lights make up what we call the ambient optic array. Just like how you see the stars at night, your eyes see this array and use it to create a picture of what's around you.

The ambient optic array is made of all the light waves bouncing around in the air that reach your eyes. As those light waves travel through the air, they bounce off all sorts of objects and surfaces, which makes them change their path and direction. When they finally reach your eyes, they create an image that your brain can interpret.

By using this array of light, your brain can tell how far away things are, what their shape is, and even what color they are! And the best part is, you don't even have to think about it – it all happens automatically.

So the next time you're outside or in a room with lots of light, remember that you're surrounded by an ambient optic array and that's how your eyes are able to see everything around you!