To see a dimly lit object at night, the image must fall on your?

The ability to see a dimly lit object at night relies primarily on the function of rods, which are photoreceptor cells in the retina. Rods are highly sensitive to light and allow us to perceive shapes and movement in low-light conditions, making them essential for night vision. Unlike cones, which are responsible for color vision and detail in bright light, rods do not detect color but can detect light and dark variations, enabling vision in dim environments.

When light from a dim object reaches the retina, it falls on the rods, which are distributed more abundantly in the peripheral regions of the retina. This is why, when trying to see something in darkness, looking slightly away from the object can sometimes make it more visible, as it allows the light to hit the rods more effectively.

This understanding highlights the specialized roles that different photoreceptors play in vision, particularly under varying lighting conditions.