Lighting color is described by its temperature. Midday sunlight is about 6,500 K. The system is based on the Kelvin scale, which uses the temperature of the sun as the high point, and absolute zero as the lower extreme. The international viewing standard for viewing reflective or transparent materials is 5,000 K. This color is a compromise between the ideal midday sunlight and artificially illuminated viewing conditions. Note: Computer monitors are standardized for graphic arts and photographic viewing at 6,500 K. See also 5000 K. |