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In theory, at least, the atom could be emitting enough light and oscillating over a large enough area that persistence of vision could result in a visible dot to the naked eye.


This article says it's barely perceptible to the naked eye: https://www.livescience.com/61763-single-atom-ion-trap-photo...

People can detect (though not very reliably) single photons hitting a photoreceptor or ~7 of them entering the eye once they're totally dark-adapted, so that almost has to be true.


I believe that's what's happening in this case.

From https://www.livescience.com/61763-single-atom-ion-trap-photo...

"This glow would be barely perceptible with the naked eye but becomes apparent with a little camera manipulation."




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