This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on February 7, 2003). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
For my last birthday, my parents sent me a t-shirt with the phrase, “I’m only wearing black until they make something darker.”
Well, according to New Scientist, researchers just did make something darker!
Researchers have created the blackest black ever made on Earth, by bubbling a shiny metal plate in nitric acid for a few seconds.
It reflects 10 to 20 times less light than the black paint currently used to reduce unwanted reflections in instruments. And this means the super-black coating may one day help improve the vision of the Hubble Space Telescope, says Nigel Fox, who heads the optics group at NPL.
Okay, so forget the telescopes. When can I start buying new clothing?
(Via Boing Boing)