What is the best technique for viewing dim objects at night?

Using peripheral vision is the best technique for viewing dim objects at night due to the anatomy of the human eye. The retina contains two types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones. Cones are responsible for color vision and function well in bright light, while rods are more sensitive to low light levels and are primarily used for night vision. Rods are concentrated more in the peripheral regions of the retina.

When you look directly at a dim object, you primarily engage the cone cells, which do not detect low-light levels effectively. Instead, when you focus slightly away from the object, you allow the rod cells to engage more, which enhances your ability to see in low-light conditions. This technique is often referred to as "averted vision," and it helps in maximizing your ability to discern faint objects at night.

Using a flashlight or other bright light sources can momentarily impair your night vision, as it causes the pupils to constrict and reduces rod sensitivity. The use of night vision devices, while advantageous, is not a technique that the average person would employ without specialized equipment.