Three-Inch Red Pinwheel

 

Have you ever walked outside on a bright, sunny day, and suddenly got the uncontrollable urge to sneeze? You’re not alone. Officially known as Photic Sneeze Reflex, this phenomenon affects up to a third of the population. Roughly two-thirds of “sun sneezers” are women, and more than 90% are fair-skinned. It’s thought to be a genetic condition, but no one knows exactly WHY bright lights trigger sneezing. In 350 BCE, Aristotle suspected it happened because the sun’s rays warm the inside of the nose. In the 17^th century, Sir Francis Bacon disproved this, noting sneezes don’t occur when you face the sun with your eyes closed. Sneezes can be triggered by any bright light, including headlights, spotlights or flash photography. It’s probably not something you need to worry about, unless sun sneezing impairs your ability to safely drive a car or fly a plane. A good pair of sunglasses should eliminate any risk.