The so-called polarized light refers to the light that vibrates only in a certain direction, or the vibration in a certain direction is dominant. The direction of polarized light at any point in the sky is perpendicular to the plane formed by the sun, the observer and this point. According to the pattern of polarized light in the sky, the position of the sun can be determined.
The polarized light navigator of the bee is in the compound eye of the head. The compound eye consists of about 6300 small eyes, and each small eye has 8 photosensitive cells arranged radially. Bees feel polarized light through these small eyes.
The solar polarized light navigation technology of bees is very enlightening. People made an octagonal artificial bee eye according to the structure of bee's small eye, and used it to observe the polarized light pattern in the sky.
Scientists have designed a polarized astronomical compass for aviation and navigation. With this new compass, planes and ships can explore the South Pole or the North Pole without worrying about the failure of the magnetic compass, even sailing on cloudy sea, and without worrying about getting lost.