In relation to your eye patch myth, I am a retired member of the Australian Army (Infantry) and can confirm that it works, at night you will also notice a "grey spot" in the middle of your vision, this is due to the fact that the rods are not located directly behind the iris. We were taught to look "a fist away" which means look slightly away from what you are trying to focus on and it becomes clear. We also used to close our master or sighting eye at night if a light source (such as a flare or torch) was used as you would still be able to use your sights to fire your weapon at night, this was in the days before the night vision technology of today. Keep up the good work!!

I found it works for star gazing. If I keep one eye closed when I'm indoors looking at star charts, then open it outdoors, I can see a lot more stars. If I close that eye, then a lot of stars disappear.

We did the same thing in the US Marines.

ditto for boyscouts