"My Rhodopsin!": Why Adding Dark Mode to Journals Could Make Us All Better Astronomers

TL;DR

Introducing a dark mode theme for astronomical journals, this paper argues it offers multiple benefits such as energy efficiency and better accessibility, while also discussing potential drawbacks and community reception.

Contribution

Proposes a modified journal class file for dark mode, analyzes community acceptance, and discusses benefits and challenges of implementing dark mode in astronomical publishing.

Findings

At least 35-42% of the community would welcome dark mode.

Dark mode reduces screen burn-in and pairs well with colorblind-friendly palettes.

Potential drawbacks include increased ink use in print and reduced legibility in low light.

Abstract

The digital age has sparked a revival in the use of "dark mode" (DM) design in many everyday applications as well as text editors and integrated developer environments. We present the case for adding a DM theme to astronomical journals, including a modified class file that generates the theme you see here as a potential option. DM themes have many beneficial attributes to a user such as saving battery power and reducing screen burn-in on devices with OLED screens, increasing figure hopping efficiency, pairing well with colorblind-friendly palettes, and limiting rhodopsin loss while observing. We analyzed iPoster design trends from AAS 237 and 238 to gauge the possible reception of our DM theme, and we estimate that at least 35%, but likely closer to 42%, of the community would welcome this addition to journals. There are some drawbacks to using a DM theme when reading papers, including increased ink usage when reading in a print medium and some diminished legibility and comprehension in low-light conditions. While these issues are not negligible, we believe they can be mitigated, especially with a paired submission of both a DM and traditional, "light mode" manuscript. It is also likely that many of us will become better astronomers as a result of adding DM to journals.