Think of your favorite action sequences in films, and you’ll probably remember one that featured some cool and flashy technology. This graphic from the Pulsar NV team celebrates the use of thermal optics in film. This surprising take reminds us that thermal optics have contributed to the iconic status of some of our favorite heroes and films. Thermal optics have been used to highlight a sci-fi setting, amplify the powers of super-creatures, and showcase the prowess of expert characters.
Heroes with Thermal Powers
Is there a more iconic superpower than Superman’s heat vision? Thanks to his Kryptonian heritage, Superman has the ability to see heat signatures. He can use it like our real-world technology to see in the dark, but he also famously uses his ability to store solar energy in his eyes to blast his enemies! Superman’s powers are so iconic that they’ve even inspired scientists to craft a membrane laser that could be placed in a contact lens.
Superman isn’t the only superhero to use thermal optics, though. Daredevil is a blind vigilante with the gift of “radar sense.” He perceives the world through electromagnetic waves, including temperature variations. His abilities have led to some unforgettable scenes in the Netflix series Daredevil.
Otherworldly Examples of Thermal Optics
Thermal optics are a recurring theme throughout the science fiction genre. It forms the basis for imaginative feats of power and technology that take us a step beyond what we’re capable of in the real world. There are numerous examples of aliens in movies who possess either thermal optics technology or an innate biological ability to utilize thermal optics.
Fan-favorite aliens in the film series Predator put their thermal optics abilities to chilling use in trophy-hunting challenges. The human protagonists must cover themselves in mud to conceal their heat signatures. Another example of predator hunting is seen in the X-Files episode “Detour,” where a scientist uses thermal optics goggles to locate an alien hiding in the forest. For a far cuter example of alien thermal optics, look no further than Disney’s animated alien, Stitch from Lilo and Stitch. The lovable menace possesses numerous alien abilities, including his red-eyed thermal vision. Fans can look forward to seeing how Stitch’s power is portrayed in an upcoming live-action film!
Military Precision for Iconic Shots
In both real life and fiction, military technology relies on thermal optics to execute stealth maneuvers, achieve impossible marksmanship, and perform other incredible feats. Service members actually use many of the weapons featured in military films in real-life situations. The graphic points out which films showcase this technology, including Navy SEALs, Patriot Games, and 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.
This graphic is a fun ride through film history, showing how a niche topic like optical technology unites some of our favorite science fiction and action films. The graphic also showcases some fascinating examples of optics used to enhance filmmaking technology.
While we love to celebrate and feature interesting graphics like this one, we also make our own geeky visualizations that we think you’ll love.
See also: The Highest-Grossing Superhero Films, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes Score
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