Astronaut Blue
General Information about Astronaut Blue
The hexadecimal color #044261, also referred to as Astronaut Blue, is a dark, muted shade of blue with a hint of green. It belongs to the cyan-blue color family, characterized by its low saturation and luminance. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0.78% red, 25.88% green, and 38.04% blue. The CMYK representation is 99% cyan, 0% magenta, 0% yellow, and 62% black. This color evokes a sense of depth, tranquility, and sophistication. It's often associated with technology, water, and the night sky. Its subtle nature makes it a versatile choice for various design applications, from web design to branding and interior decoration. The color creates a professional and calm vibe, due to its dark, but also clean nature.
The hex color #044261, also known as Astronaut Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially in text applications. Its low luminance value of approximately 2.8% makes it difficult to provide sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, potentially violating WCAG guidelines for readability. For text, it is crucial to pair this color with very light shades, such as white or very pale yellows, to ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. In user interface design, consider using this color sparingly for decorative elements or backgrounds where readability is not paramount. When using it for interactive elements like buttons, ensure the hover and focus states have clearly contrasting colors to meet accessibility standards. Testing with accessibility evaluation tools is highly recommended to validate compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Header/Footer
Astronaut Blue can be effectively used in website headers or footers to create a calming and professional atmosphere. Its deep, cool tone is suitable for sites related to technology, science, or finance. When paired with a clean, minimalist design and sans-serif typography, it conveys trustworthiness and stability. Furthermore, incorporating subtle animations or gradients can add depth and visual interest without compromising the overall aesthetic. Consider using it in conjunction with lighter accent colors to highlight key elements and improve user engagement.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #044261 can be used as an accent wall color in bedrooms or living rooms to create a serene and sophisticated environment. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, as well as metallic accents in gold or silver. To avoid making the space feel too dark, incorporate plenty of natural light and lighter furniture. Accessorize with plants and textured fabrics to add warmth and visual interest, making the room feel inviting and balanced. The goal is to create a relaxing and stylish ambiance.
Illustration base
Astronaut Blue is a good base for futuristic illustrations and graphics to use in video games, comics or books. It is a dark color that can be used as base for highlighting lighter objects.