Every time I open an envelope in a darkened room, I swear the glue glows as it’s peeled apart.
Can someone else try this and report their findings so I know I’m not going bonkers?
It must be a peel and seal, not a gummed one that needs licking.
If true, does anyone know why it does it?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triboluminescence

won’t ask why you are doing that in a dark room, but yes that is what you are seeing. for a better show, try sellotape on a smooth surface, let your eyes adjust and strip it off quickly. Also if you have really static clothes, take them off when your eyes are adjusted.

Guessing it is a result of the electrostatic bonds in the glue being broken as your tear the bonded surfaces apart. Its been a long time since I did chemistry…

I’ve never seen so many long words in all my life.
Shame because I thought it was magic and I was about to take my show on the road. “Choppersquad and his amazing glowing envelopes”. Would have been a millionaire.

It’s also supposed to happen if you break a Polo mint in a dark room, it glows 😯

I’ve never seen so many long words in all my life.

Sorry, but that’s science for you! I thought about writing my own explanation in shorter words, but wouldn’t have got it right without checking – it is a fairly well known thing.

The clothes is static electricity which is completely different.

Triboluminescence!

Its pretty amazing. You’re not imagining it. Aracer has it.

I’m off to buy some Polo’s now!

You’re not imagining it. Aracer has it.

How do you know, have you seen him in the dark?

I remember the first time i chucked a pebble in the sea in the dark. is it just our local sea, or does everyone’s glow?

How do you know, have you seen him in the dark?

No, it’s dark…