Color Illusions Archives

Glory Illusion

This glory illusion is an optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight is scattered backwards by small water droplets in the atmosphere, such as in clouds or mist.

The glory appears to be an illusory or magical phenomenon, as the circular rings may appear to be floating in the air around the observer’s shadow.

Check out these images of the Glory Illusion and then scroll down to learn a bit about how it works.

What is the Glory Illusion?
How does the Glory Illusion work?
Discovery of the Glory Illusion
References and Resources

What is the Glory Illusion?

The Glory Illusion is an optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight is scattered backwards by small water droplets in the atmosphere, such as in clouds or mist.

When an observer looks down at a cloud or mist, they may see a circular halo of colored rings around their shadow, with the observer at the center. The colors of the rings can range from blue to red, with red appearing on the outermost ring. This effect is caused by the diffraction and interference of light waves as they pass through the water droplets and reflect back towards the observer’s eyes.

The term “glory illusion” refers to the fact that the glory appears to be an illusory or magical phenomenon, as the circular rings may appear to be floating in the air around the observer’s shadow.

How does the Glory Illusion Work?

The glory is an optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight is scattered backwards by small water droplets in the atmosphere, such as in clouds or mist. The process can be explained as follows:

When sunlight enters a cloud or mist, it encounters small water droplets suspended in the air.
The sunlight is scattered in all directions by the water droplets, causing it to be spread out and diffracted.
Some of the scattered light is scattered back towards the observer’s direction.
When the scattered light waves pass through the water droplets again and reflect back towards the observer’s eyes, they interfere with each other and create a series of colored rings.
The colors of the rings are determined by the wavelength of the light waves and the size of the water droplets. Blue light waves have shorter wavelengths and are diffracted more than longer wavelength red light waves, so blue appears on the innermost ring and red on the outermost ring.
The observer’s shadow is at the center of the circular rings, and the rings appear to be centered around the observer’s head or body, creating the illusion of a floating halo.

The glory phenomenon is similar to other optical phenomena, such as rainbows, but it occurs on a smaller scale and in a different orientation, as the rings are centered around the observer’s shadow rather than the sun.

The Glory Illusion – Related Phenomenon

There are several other optical illusions and phenomena that are similar to the glory:

Rainbow: A rainbow is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when sunlight is refracted and reflected by water droplets in the atmosphere, creating a spectrum of colors in the sky. Like the glory, the colors of a rainbow are determined by the wavelength of light and the size of the water droplets.

Halo: A halo is a ring of light that appears around the sun or moon. It is caused by the refraction of light through ice crystals in the upper atmosphere, and can have a similar circular appearance to the glory.

Sun dogs: Sun dogs are patches of bright light that appear on either side of the sun, and are caused by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals in the atmosphere. They can have a circular appearance and may be mistaken for a glory.

Heiligenschein: Heiligenschein is a German word meaning “halo of the saints,” and refers to a circular patch of light that appears around the shadow of an observer on dewy grass or other surfaces. It is caused by the reflection and refraction of light within the water droplets on the surface.

Brocken spectre: A Brocken spectre is a magnified shadow that appears on clouds or mist, with the observer’s head at the center. It is caused by the scattering and refraction of light by water droplets, and can have a similar circular appearance to the glory.

Overall, these phenomena all involve the interaction of light with water droplets or ice crystals in the atmosphere, and can create a variety of beautiful and fascinating optical illusions.

Discovery of the Glory Illusion

The glory was first observed and documented by a British scientist named Robert Boyle in the mid-17th century. Boyle was an early pioneer of experimental science and made many important contributions to physics and chemistry, including the discovery of Boyle’s Law, which describes the relationship between the volume and pressure of a gas.

In addition to his work on gases, Boyle was also interested in optical phenomena and conducted experiments to understand how light interacts with various materials and surfaces. He observed the glory while traveling through the Alps in the 1660s, and wrote about the phenomenon in his book “New Experiments and Observations Touching Cold” published in 1665.

Since Boyle’s initial discovery, the glory has been studied and observed by many scientists and researchers around the world, and it continues to fascinate and intrigue observers with its magical and colorful appearance.

References and Resources

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All The Same Color Illusion

In the All The Same Color Illusion, every single shape is the exact same color, but the background changes creating the illusion that they are different colors.

Check out these All The Same Color Illusions and then keep scrolling to learn how they work.

What is the All The Same Color Illusion?
How does the All The Same Color Illusion work?
Discovery of the All The Same Color Illusion
References and Resources

What is the All The Same Color Illusion?

The All the Same Color Illusion is created by the Bezold effect which is a visual phenomenon that occurs when a color appears to change in hue or brightness depending on the colors that surround it.

Named after the German scientist Wilhelm von Bezold, who first described the effect in the 19th century, the Bezold effect is caused by the way that different colors interact with each other in the human visual system. When a color is placed next to a different color, the cells in the retina that are sensitive to that color are stimulated differently than they would be if the color were seen in isolation. This can cause the color to appear lighter or darker, or to shift in hue.

There are two main types of Bezold effect: simultaneous contrast and successive contrast. Simultaneous contrast occurs when two colors are viewed side by side, and the appearance of one color is influenced by the other. For example, a gray square placed on a black background may appear lighter than the same gray square placed on a white background. Successive contrast occurs when a color appears to change in response to a preceding color. For example, staring at a red square for several seconds and then looking at a white surface may cause the surface to appear greenish.

The Bezold effect has important implications for color theory and design. By understanding how different colors interact with each other, designers can create more effective color schemes and use color to evoke specific emotions or moods. The effect also has practical applications in fields such as art, photography, and printing, where color accuracy and consistency are important.

How does the All The Same Color Illusion work?

The All the Same Color Illusion works because of the Bezold Effect.

The Bezold effect occurs because of the way that different colors interact with each other in the human visual system. When we look at a color, the cells in our retina that are sensitive to that color are stimulated, sending signals to our brain that allow us to perceive the color. However, these signals are also influenced by the colors that surround the target color.

The two main types of Bezold effect are simultaneous contrast and successive contrast. In simultaneous contrast, the color of an object can appear to shift in hue or brightness depending on the colors that surround it. For example, a gray square placed on a black background may appear lighter than the same gray square placed on a white background. This occurs because the cells in our retina that are sensitive to the gray color are receiving different levels of stimulation depending on the colors that surround it.

Successive contrast, on the other hand, occurs when a color appears to change in response to a preceding color. For example, staring at a red square for several seconds and then looking at a white surface may cause the surface to appear greenish. This occurs because the cells in our retina that are sensitive to the color red become fatigued after prolonged exposure, which causes them to respond less strongly to the color. When we then look at a white surface, the cells that are sensitive to green are relatively more stimulated, causing the surface to appear greenish.

Overall, the Bezold effect is an important phenomenon in color perception and has practical applications in fields such as design, art, and printing. By understanding how different colors interact with each other, designers can create more effective color schemes and use color to evoke specific emotions or moods.

Discovery of the All The Same Color Illusion

The reason the All The Same Color Illusion works is the Bezold effect which is named after Wilhelm von Bezold, a German scientist who first described the phenomenon in the late 19th century. Von Bezold was a professor of physics at the University of Munich and conducted extensive research in the fields of optics, color theory, and meteorology. He made several important contributions to the study of color perception, including his work on the Bezold effect, which has since become an important concept in the field of color theory and design.

Wilhelm von Bezold (1837-1907) was a German physicist and meteorologist who made important contributions to the fields of optics, color theory, and meteorology. Born in Munich, von Bezold studied at the University of Munich and later became a professor of physics at the same institution.

Von Bezold is best known for his work in color theory, particularly his research on the Bezold effect, which describes how colors can appear to change in hue or brightness depending on the colors that surround them. He also conducted important research on the spectral analysis of light and color perception, and made significant contributions to the field of meteorology, including the development of new instruments for measuring atmospheric phenomena.

In addition to his scientific work, von Bezold was also a talented artist and musician. He created several paintings and drawings that were influenced by his scientific research on color, and also composed music, including several operas.

Today, von Bezold is remembered as an important figure in the history of science, particularly in the fields of optics and color theory. His work on the Bezold effect and other aspects of color perception continues to have important implications for fields such as design, art, and advertising.

References and Resources

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Brocken Spectre Illusion

The Brocken Spectre Illusion, also known as Brocken bow or mountain specter, is a rare and fascinating optical phenomenon that occurs when a person standing on a mountain or a high ridge sees their enlarged shadow cast onto a cloud bank or fog bank below them.

Check out these amazing rare images and then scroll down to learn more about the Brocken Spectre Illusion.

What is the Brocken Spectre Illusion?
How does the Brocken Spectre Illusion work?
Discovery of the Brocken Spectre Illusion
References and Resources

What is the Brocken Spectre Illusion?

The Brocken Spectre, also known as Brocken bow or mountain specter, is a rare and fascinating optical phenomenon that occurs when a person standing on a mountain or a high ridge sees their enlarged shadow cast onto a cloud bank or fog bank below them.

This phenomenon is typically observed at sunrise or sunset, when the sun is low in the sky and the light is refracted, or bent, by the water droplets in the cloud or fog. The shadow of the observer is cast onto the cloud or fog, and a halo of light appears around the shadow.

The halo is typically colored, with red and blue colors most commonly seen. The phenomenon is named after the Brocken, a mountain in Germany where it was first observed and documented. The Brocken Spectre is considered a rare and awe-inspiring sight, and has been the subject of folklore and legends throughout history.

How does the Brocken Spectre Illusion Work?

The Brocken Spectre is an optical phenomenon that occurs when the sun is low in the sky and the observer’s shadow is projected onto a cloud or fog bank below them. The phenomenon is caused by the refraction, or bending, of light as it passes through the water droplets in the cloud or fog.

When sunlight passes through the water droplets, it is refracted, or bent, at a certain angle, which causes the observer’s shadow to be projected onto the cloud or fog. The observer’s shadow appears larger than life-size and is surrounded by a halo of light, which is caused by the diffraction of light around the edges of the shadow.

The colors of the halo are caused by the interference of light waves as they are diffracted around the edges of the shadow. The colors seen most commonly in a Brocken Spectre are red and blue, which are caused by the interference of light waves with different wavelengths. The red color is caused by longer wavelengths of light diffracting around the edge of the shadow, while the blue color is caused by shorter wavelengths of light.

What Kind of Illusion is the Brocken Spectre Illusion

The Brocken Spectre illusion is an amazing and fascinating phenomenon that occurs under specific atmospheric conditions, and is a beautiful reminder of the wonders of our natural world.

The Brocken Spectre is a visual illusion, specifically a type of optical illusion. It is caused by the refraction and diffraction of light, which creates the appearance of an enlarged and distorted shadow surrounded by a halo of light.

The illusion is created by the interaction between the observer, the sun, and the cloud or fog bank below the observer. The observer’s brain interprets the image of their shadow and the halo of light surrounding it as a three-dimensional object, even though it is actually a two-dimensional projection. This creates the impression that the shadow and halo are floating in the air and are much larger than they actually are.

The Brocken Spectre is an example of a natural optical illusion, as it is caused by the interaction of light with the natural environment. Other types of optical illusions can be caused by a variety of factors, including the properties of the visual system and the way that the brain processes visual information.

Similar Illusions to the Broken Spectre Illusion

There are several optical illusions that are similar to the Brocken Spectre illusion in that they are caused by the interaction of light with the environment. Some of these illusions include:

Glory: The glory is a circular rainbow-like phenomenon that appears around the shadow of an observer on a cloud or mist. It is caused by the diffraction of sunlight by small water droplets in the cloud.
Fata Morgana: Fata Morgana is a complex mirage that creates the illusion of distant objects hovering above the horizon, or of objects appearing upside down. It is caused by the refraction of light in the atmosphere, and is often seen in deserts or over large bodies of water.
Green flash: The green flash is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs at sunset or sunrise, when the sun briefly appears to turn green or emit a green flash. It is caused by the refraction of light in the atmosphere, and is typically only visible for a few seconds.
Sundog: A sundog, or parhelion, is a bright spot or halo of light that appears on either side of the sun. It is caused by the refraction of sunlight by ice crystals in the atmosphere, and is often seen in cold, winter climates.

All of these optical illusions are caused by the interaction of light with the environment, and are often seen in natural settings. They are a testament to the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and have fascinated scientists, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts for centuries.

Discovery of the Brocken Spectre Illusion

The Brocken Spectre was first observed and documented in the late 18th century by Johann Silberschlag, a German scientist and theologian, who saw the phenomenon on the Brocken mountain in Germany. However, the phenomenon was not widely known until the early 19th century, when it was documented by other scientists and explorers who observed it in various mountainous regions around the world.

One of the most famous accounts of the Brocken Spectre was written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the German poet and polymath, who saw the phenomenon during a visit to the Brocken in 1777. Goethe’s account helped to popularize the Brocken Spectre and contributed to its status as a natural wonder.

Since then, the Brocken Spectre has been observed and documented by many other scientists, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts, and has become a subject of fascination and study for those interested in optics and atmospheric phenomena.

References and Resources

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Cool Troxler’s Fading Illusion

In this Cool Troxler’s Fading Illusion, stare at the image below and eventually the colors will completely fade away. This is a great example of the phenomenon known as Troxler’s fading.

Troxler’s fading is an optical illusion where an object in the visual field, usually a small and static object, gradually fades from view and disappears altogether. The effect is caused by the visual system’s tendency to adapt to unchanging stimuli.

What is the Cool Troxler’s Fading Illusion?
How does the Cool Troxler’s Fading Illusion work?
Discovery of the Cool Troxler’s Fading Illusion
References and Resources

What is the Cool Troxler’s Fading Illusion?

The effect is most pronounced when the surrounding area is uniform and unchanging, such as a plain white wall. In these circumstances, the eye has no other points of reference to focus on, so the neurons responsible for processing the image gradually become less responsive to the unchanging stimulus. This results in the fading and disappearance of the object from the visual field.

Troxler’s fading is a well-documented phenomenon in the field of perception psychology and has been studied extensively. It is often used in experiments to study the mechanisms of visual perception and the effects of sensory adaptation on the visual system.

How does the Cool Troxler’s Fading Illusion Work?

Troxler’s fading is an optical illusion that occurs when a small, stationary object in the visual field gradually fades from view and disappears altogether. The effect is caused by the visual system’s tendency to adapt to unchanging stimuli.

When we focus on a stationary object in our visual field, the neurons responsible for processing the image of that object become activated. However, if the object remains stationary and unchanging for an extended period, these neurons become less responsive to the stimulus. This process is known as sensory adaptation.

As the neurons responsible for processing the image of the object become less responsive, the object gradually fades from view and may disappear altogether. The effect is more pronounced when the surrounding area is uniform and unchanging, such as a plain white wall or a featureless landscape.

The fading effect can be disrupted by introducing changes to the visual field, such as by moving the object or by changing the background. This disrupts the process of sensory adaptation and can cause the object to reappear in the visual field.

Discovery of the Cool Troxler’s Fading Illusion

The illusion was discovered by Swiss physician and philosopher Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler in 1804. Troxler observed that when he stared at a fixed point in his visual field, surrounding objects gradually disappeared from view.

Ignaz Paul Vital Troxler (1780-1866) was a Swiss physician and philosopher who made significant contributions to the fields of medicine, philosophy, and psychology. He was born in Berne, Switzerland, and received his medical degree from the University of Vienna in 1802.

Troxler’s contributions to psychology include the discovery of a phenomenon known as “Troxler’s fading,” which is an optical illusion that occurs when a small, stationary object in the visual field gradually fades from view and disappears altogether. He also wrote several papers on the philosophy of perception, in which he explored the ways in which sensory experience shapes our understanding of the world.

Troxler was a prominent figure in Swiss intellectual circles during the early 19th century and was a member of several prestigious scientific and academic societies, including the Swiss Society of Natural Sciences and the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences. He also served as a professor of anatomy and physiology at the University of Zurich from 1811 until his retirement in 1844.

Troxler’s work had a significant impact on the development of psychology and philosophy in the 19th century, and his contributions continue to be studied and discussed by scholars and researchers today.

References and Resources

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Aliasing

Aliasing is a phenomenon that occurs in digital signal processing, particularly in images and video.

It refers to the effect of undersampling, where a signal that is sampled at a rate lower than the Nyquist rate (the minimum sampling rate required to accurately represent a signal) can create artifacts and distorted images.

Aliasing can be considered an illusion in the sense that it creates an image or signal that is different from the way it actually is.

When aliasing occurs, the signal is undersampled, meaning that it is not sampled at a high enough rate to accurately represent it. This results in the creation of artifacts and distorted images that appear different from the original signal.

In the image below, the picture is actually a star with 1024 points but the sheer number of points makes the image appear to be a circle with intricate designs around the edges.

How does Aliasing work?
Versions of Aliasing
Illusions like Aliasing
Discovery of Aliasing
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How does Aliasing work?

Aliasing works by undersampling a signal, meaning that it is sampled at a rate lower than the Nyquist rate, which is the minimum sampling rate required to accurately represent a signal.

In digital signal processing, a signal is sampled by taking snapshots of its value at regular intervals. The sample rate determines how often the signal is sampled, and this directly affects the accuracy of the signal representation. The Nyquist rate is the minimum sample rate that must be used to accurately represent a signal, and it is based on the highest frequency present in the signal.

If the sample rate is lower than the Nyquist rate, the signal will not be accurately represented, and the highest frequency components will be aliased, meaning that they will appear as lower frequency components in the sampled signal. This can cause the signal to appear jagged and stair-stepped, rather than smooth and curved, creating the appearance of artifacts and distorted images.

For example, in images and video, aliasing can occur when the spatial frequency of an image is higher than the sampling rate, causing the image to appear jagged and stair-stepped, rather than smooth and curved. This can result in the creation of “moiré” patterns, which are wavy, repetitive patterns that appear as an artifact in the image.

In audio signals, aliasing can create a metallic or “phased” sound that can be heard as an artifact in the audio.

To reduce aliasing, techniques such as anti-aliasing and oversampling can be used to sample the signal at a higher rate, ensuring that it is accurately represented and reducing the occurrence of distorted or jagged images.

Versions of Aliasing

The following is another example of the same image with and without aliasing.

The following is another examples of Aliasing, the Wagon Wheel Illusion

Illusions like Aliasing

Aliasing can be considered a type of sensory illusion because it creates an image or signal that is different from the way it actually is. When aliasing occurs, the signal is undersampled, meaning that it is not sampled at a high enough rate to accurately represent it. This results in the creation of artifacts and distorted images that appear different from the original signal.

The phenomenon of aliasing can be considered an illusion because it tricks the observer into perceiving the image or signal differently from the way it actually is, just like other optical illusions. By creating distorted images and artifacts, aliasing can cause the brain to perceive a signal differently from the way it actually is, creating an illusion of a different image or sound.

In this sense, aliasing can be considered a type of sensory illusion, as it tricks the brain into perceiving information in a way that is different from reality. The specific type of sensory illusion created by aliasing depends on the context in which it occurs, as it can affect both visual and auditory signals.

The following are some illusions that are related Aliasing:

The wagon wheel illusion is a visual illusion in which a rotating wheel appears to be rotating in the opposite direction or at a different speed than its actual rotation.

The illusion is most commonly observed when viewing a wheel that is lit with strobe lights or a series of still images, such as a filmstrip or video.

Wagon Wheel Gif — Wagon Wheel Illusion
From Wikimedia Commons

Troxler’s fading, also known as Troxler’s effect, is a phenomenon in which a stationary visual stimulus, such as a dot or a shape, disappears from perception after a certain period of time.

Lilac-Chaser_Troxlers Fading — From Wikimedia Commons

The Phi phenomenon is the illusion of movement created by the rapid succession of static images or light sources.

The Rotating Snakes is a peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.

The Moiré pattern illusion: This illusion is created by superimposing two similar patterns on top of each other, such as a grid of lines or circles. The resulting pattern appears to be moving or changing.

The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.

The Hermann Grid Illusion, in which the intersections of a white grid on a black background appear to be gray, even though they are actually the same color as the background.

The Zöllner Illusion, in which parallel lines appear to be tilted or bent when intersected by diagonal lines.

The Fraser Spiral Illusion, in which a pattern of short, curved lines appears to form a spiral.

The Café Wall Illusion is a visual illusion that is created by a grid of alternating light and dark horizontal and vertical lines. The lines appear to be bent or tilted, even though they are actually straight.

These illusions are usually caused by the way our eyes process visual information and the way the brain interprets it. They can also be caused by the interaction of different visual elements, such as lines and angles, in the image. They are often used in research on visual perception and the neural basis of perception.

Discovery of Aliasing

The concept of aliasing has been known since the early days of digital signal processing, and its existence has been widely recognized by researchers and engineers working in the field. The term “aliasing” was first introduced by Harry Nyquist in 1928, and it is based on the Nyquist Sampling Theorem, which states that a signal must be sampled at a rate greater than twice the highest frequency present in the signal in order to accurately represent it.

It’s important to note that the concept of aliasing and the Nyquist Sampling Theorem are based on mathematical principles that were known long before they were formally defined by Harry Nyquist. The Nyquist Sampling Theorem and the concept of aliasing are widely recognized and studied in the field of digital signal processing, and are considered fundamental concepts in the field.

In this sense, the discovery of aliasing is not attributed to a single individual, but rather is a result of the collective efforts of many researchers and engineers who have worked in the field of digital signal processing over the years.

Harry Nyquist was an American electrical engineer and mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of communication theory and digital signal processing. He was born in 1889 in Sweden and immigrated to the United States as a young man.

Nyquist is best known for his work on the sampling theorem, which is now known as the Nyquist Sampling Theorem. This theorem states that a signal must be sampled at a rate greater than twice the highest frequency present in the signal in order to accurately represent it. The theorem is widely used in digital signal processing and has been fundamental in the development of modern digital communication systems.

Nyquist’s work laid the foundation for the development of modern digital communication systems, and he is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the field. His contributions to the field of digital signal processing have had a lasting impact on the field, and his work continues to be widely studied and applied today.

References and Resources

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Negative Photo Illusion

The negative photo illusion is a type of optical illusion that is created when a person views a negative image of a photo.

This illusion can cause the brain to perceive the image as if it were a positive image, even though it is inverted.

This illusion can be especially striking when the negative image is compared side-by-side with the original positive image, as the differences between the two can be quite pronounced.

The negative photo illusion can be a fun and interesting way to challenge one’s visual perception and understanding of images, and can also be used to help demonstrate the workings of the brain and the ways in which it processes visual information.

To give it a try, stare at the image below for 30 seconds and then look to a white surface. It may help to blink a few times when staring at the white surface it it doesn’t work for you the first time.

How does the Negative Photo Illusion work?
Versions of the Negative Photo Illusion
Illusions like the Negative Photo Illusion
Discovery of the Negative Photo Illusion
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How does the Negative Photo Illusion work?

The negative photo illusion works by exploiting the way our brain processes visual information. Our brains are very good at recognizing patterns and objects, even when they are presented in a slightly different form. When we look at a positive image, our brain quickly recognizes the objects and their relationships to each other, and interprets the image accordingly.

When a positive image is transformed into a negative image, the colors and brightness levels of the objects are reversed. This inversion can disrupt the way our brain recognizes the objects and their relationships, causing us to perceive the negative image as if it were a positive image.

However, despite the inversion, our brain still tries to make sense of the image by recognizing the objects and their relationships to each other, even though they appear different than they would in a positive image. As a result, our brain can perceive the negative image as if it were a positive image, even though it is inverted.

In other words, the negative photo illusion works by taking advantage of the brain’s ability to recognize patterns and objects, and its tendency to interpret images in a way that makes sense, even if the image is inverted.

Negative Photo Illusions vs. Afterimages

Negative photo illusions and positive afterimages are similar in that they both involve the perception of an image that is different from the way it actually appears. However, they are distinct types of optical illusions that are created by different mechanisms.

A positive afterimage is created when the stimulation of the photoreceptors in the eye continues even after the original stimulus is removed. This can cause the brain to perceive a ghost image that is the opposite color of the original image. For example, if you stare at a red image for a long time and then look at a white wall, you might see a green afterimage.

In contrast, a negative photo illusion is created by presenting the brain with an inverted version of an image, with the colors and brightness levels reversed. This can cause the brain to perceive the negative image as if it were a positive image, even though it is inverted.

So, while both negative photo illusions and positive afterimages involve the perception of an image that is different from the way it actually appears, they are created by different mechanisms and result in different types of optical illusions.

Versions of the Negative Photo Illusion

The following is an alternate versions of the Negative Photo Illusion and a few Afterimage examples too:

Illusions like the Negative Photo Illusion

The negative photo illusion is a type of optical illusion. Optical illusions are visual phenomena that occur when the brain perceives an image differently from the way it actually is. These illusions can be caused by a variety of factors, including the way the brain processes visual information, the way the eyes perceive light and color, and the way the brain fills in missing information.

The negative photo illusion is a specific type of optical illusion that is created when a person views a negative image of a photo. By presenting the brain with an inverted version of an image, the illusion tricks the brain into perceiving the image as if it were a positive image, even though it is inverted. This illusion is an example of how the brain’s visual processing can be influenced by the way information is presented.

Some related illusions include the following:

The afterimage illusion is a type of visual illusion in which an image continues to appear in the observer’s visual field after the original stimulus has been removed.

This can occur due to the persistence of neural activity in the visual system, and can take the form of a positive afterimage (an image that is the same color as the original stimulus) or a negative afterimage (an image that is the opposite color of the original stimulus).

Afterimage illusions can be caused by a variety of factors, including the duration and intensity of the original stimulus, and the observer’s individual visual characteristics.

Stare at the image below for 30 seconds and then look to a white surface.

The Checker Shadow Illusion is created by a checkerboard pattern composed of squares with different luminance values, the squares that are not directly illuminated by the light source appear darker than the illuminated squares, creating the illusion of shadows.

Edelson-Checker_shadow_illusion — Checker Shadow Illusion

The simultaneous contrast illusion is a visual effect that occurs when the perception of a color is affected by the colors of the surrounding area.

The illusion creates the appearance of a change in the color of an object, even though the actual color of the object remains constant.

Simultaneous Contrast Effect — The center green dot is the same on both sides, but the surrounding color changes the perception

The Neon Color Spreading illusion refers to the visual phenomenon where an area of color appears to spread or “bleed” beyond its intended boundaries.

The Bezold Effect: This illusion is created by placing two or more colors next to each other, and the way they appear to change when they are close to one another.

The Cornsweet illusion is a classic example of a brightness illusion, which is an illusion in which two areas that are physically the same brightness appear to be different in brightness.

The Chubb illusion is based on the perception of brightness and can be observed when a small bright patch is surrounded by a larger dark area, the small bright patch will appear brighter than the same patch surrounded by a bright area.

White’s illusion is a visual phenomenon in which two identical gray bars are placed on a background of alternating black and white stripes.

The gray bars appear to be different shades of gray, with the one on the white stripes appearing lighter than the one on the black stripes.

In the image below, both gray bars have the exact same color.

The Watercolor Illusion: This illusion is created by the way the brain perceives edges of an object. When an object is surrounded by a colored halo, the object appears to have a different color than it actually does.

Discovery of the Negative Photo Illusion

The concept of the negative photo illusion has likely been around for as long as people have been creating and viewing photographs. The idea of inverting colors and brightness levels to create a negative image of a photo has been known since the invention of photography. However, the term “negative photo illusion” and the specific understanding of how this illusion works on the brain may have been discovered and documented more recently.

It’s difficult to attribute the discovery or invention of the negative photo illusion to a specific person or group, as it is a relatively common phenomenon that is easily observable. Nevertheless, the concept of optical illusions and the study of how the brain perceives visual information has been the subject of much research and exploration in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and vision science.

The phenomenon of afterimages, also known as persistence of vision, has been known for centuries.

The ancient Greeks and Romans were aware of the phenomenon, and it was also described by the ancient Chinese and Arab scholars.

The earliest scientific study of afterimages was done by the German scientist Hermann von Helmholtz in the 19th century.

He published a book in 1867 titled “Handbook of Physiological Optics” which gave a detailed explanation of the phenomenon, including the theory that afterimages were caused by the retina’s sensitivity to light.

This study is considered as one of the earliest and most comprehensive explanations of the afterimage effect.

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Transformation Illusion

The transformation illusion is a type of optical illusion that occurs when a static image appears to change over time.

How does the Transformation Illusion work?
Versions of Transformation Illusion
Illusions like Transformation Illusion
Discovery of Transformation Illusion
References and Resources
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How does the Transformation Illusion work?

A transformation illusion works by manipulating the visual cues that the brain uses to perceive motion. The brain uses a combination of sensory information, including changes in image brightness, color, position, and contrast, to construct a sense of motion from a static image. When these cues are manipulated, the brain can be tricked into perceiving motion where there is none.

For example, the wagon wheel effect is a type of transformation illusion that occurs when spokes in a spinning wheel appear to change direction or disappear. This illusion is caused by the visual system’s sensitivity to changes in position, combined with the high temporal resolution of the retina, which allows the visual system to process multiple changes in position per second. As the wheel rotates, the spokes change position rapidly, and the brain perceives this rapid change as a change in direction.

Another example of a transformation illusion is the background segregation illusion, in which a static image appears to separate into foreground and background elements that move independently. This illusion is created by manipulating the contrast between different parts of the image, and the brain’s sensitivity to changes in contrast over time. The brain uses these changes in contrast to construct a sense of motion, even though the image itself is static.

In both of these examples, the transformation illusion works by manipulating the visual cues that the brain uses to perceive motion. By doing so, the illusion tricks the brain into perceiving motion where there is none, creating a visually striking and compelling effect.

Versions of Transformation Illusions

The transformation illusion is a type of optical illusion that occurs when a static image appears to change over time. This type of illusion is created by manipulating the visual cues that the brain uses to interpret motion, such as apparent motion, the phi phenomenon, and beta movement.

One classic example of a transformation illusion is the wagon wheel effect, which occurs when spokes in a spinning wheel appear to change direction or disappear. Another example is the background segregation illusion, in which a static image appears to separate into foreground and background elements that move independently.

Transformation illusions can be created using a variety of techniques, such as animation, video projection, and anaglyph stereo imaging. These illusions demonstrate the power of visual perception to construct a sense of motion from static stimuli and highlight the complex and dynamic processes involved in visual perception.

The following are some other examples of Transformation Illusions

Peripheral drift illusion — From Wikimedia Commons

peripheral-drift-illusion-giving-a-throbbing-effect — From Wikimedia Commons

Peripheral_drift_illusion_blue-and-orange-wormhole

Illusions like Transformation Illusions

The following are some illusions related to Transformation Illusions

In Peripheral Drift illusions, the image or pattern appears to move or drift, even though it is actually stationary. This movement is caused by the brain’s attempt to interpret the image or pattern, which is often complex or ambiguous. The movement can be in any direction, such as horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Peripheral drift illusion jelly bean — From Wikimedia Commons

The rotating snakes is a peripheral drift illusion that consists of a grid of shapes, with some of them appearing to be rotating or undulating. The illusion is created by the interaction of the shapes with the neural processing of the visual system.

With Illusory motion, static image appears to be moving due to the interaction of color contrasts, shapes, and position.

The barber pole illusion is an optical illusion that is characterized by the appearance of a spiral pattern on a vertically striped pole.

The illusion is created by the interaction of the contrasting colors of the stripes with the motion of the pole, which can make it appear to be moving in a spiral pattern.

he barber pole illusion is often used to study the neural mechanisms of visual perception, particularly the way that our brains process and interpret motion.

The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.

The Hermann Grid Illusion, in which the intersections of a white grid on a black background appear to be gray, even though they are actually the same color as the background.

The Zöllner Illusion, in which parallel lines appear to be tilted or bent when intersected by diagonal lines.

The Fraser Spiral Illusion, in which a pattern of short, curved lines appears to form a spiral.

Discovery of Transformation Illusions

The phenomenon of optical illusions and the concept of visual perception have been studied by many scientists and artists throughout history, so it is difficult to attribute the discovery of transformation illusions to a single person.

However, some of the earliest scientific studies of visual perception and optical illusions were conducted by the German psychologist and physicist Hermann von Helmholtz in the late 19th century. Helmholtz was one of the first to systematically study the ways in which the visual system constructs a sense of the world from sensory input, and he made important contributions to our understanding of visual perception and the mechanisms underlying optical illusions.

Hermann von Helmholtz was a German physician, physicist, and philosopher of science who lived from 1821 to 1894. He was one of the most influential figures in the development of modern physics and biology and made important contributions to a wide range of fields, including optics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and the physiology of perception.

Helmholtz is best known for his work in the field of sensory physiology, where he made pioneering contributions to our understanding of how the senses work and how the brain processes sensory information. He was one of the first to systematically study the ways in which the visual system constructs a sense of the world from sensory input, and he made important contributions to our understanding of visual perception and the mechanisms underlying optical illusions.

In addition to his work in sensory physiology, Helmholtz made important contributions to the fields of physics, mathematics, and philosophy, and he was widely recognized as one of the leading scientific thinkers of his time. Today, he is remembered as one of the founders of the tradition of scientific naturalism and as a pioneering researcher who helped to lay the foundation for modern theories of perception and the science of optics.

Since then, many scientists, artists, and psychologists have studied and explored the phenomenon of optical illusions and the various types of illusions, including transformation illusions. While it may be difficult to identify a single person who discovered or popularized transformation illusions, this area of research continues to be an active and important field, with new findings and insights being added all the time.

It’s also not clear who first discovered illusory motion. Some credit Aristotle in approximately 350 BC.

But these type of illusions have been observed and studied by various researchers over time, and many studies have contributed to the understanding of the phenomenon.

For example, peripheral drift illusions have been observed since the early 20th century and have been studied by various researchers in the field of visual perception, including scientists, psychologists, and neuroscientists.

Some of the early studies on peripheral drift illusions were conducted by the German physiologist Ernst Mach in the late 19th century, and later by the German psychologist Max Wertheimer in the early 20th century.

In the 20th century, several scientists and researchers have made significant contributions to the understanding of peripheral drift illusions and the underlying neural mechanisms, such as the American psychologist J.J. Gibson, the American neuroscientist David Hubel, and the British neuroscientist Melvyn Goodale.

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Tessellation Illusions

Tessellation is a technique used in mathematics, art, and architecture where a two-dimensional plane is covered with repeating shapes without any gaps or overlaps.

The repeating shapes are called tessellation patterns or tessellations, and they are typically made up of regular polyggonal shapes such as squares, triangles, or hexagons.

Tessellation has been used for centuries to create illusions, decorative designs, to build tiled floors and walls, and more recently in computer graphics and video games. In mathematics, tessellations are studied as a part of geometry, where they are used to explore concepts such as symmetry and repeat patterns.

Table of Contents for Tessellation Illusions

How do Tessellation Illusions work?
Versions of Tessellation Illusions
Illusions like the Tessellation Illusions
Discovery of Tessellation Illusions
References and Resources
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How do Tessellation Illusions work?

Tessellation works by repeating a single shape, or a set of shapes, in a regular pattern to cover a two-dimensional plane without any gaps or overlaps. The key to creating a tessellation is to find a shape, or set of shapes, that can be repeated in such a way that the edges of each shape meet and fit together seamlessly. The most common shapes used in tessellation are regular polyggonal shapes such as squares, triangles, and hexagons.

In order to create a tessellation, the shape or shapes must be transformed in some way so that they fit together perfectly. For example, the shapes can be rotated, reflected, or scaled to create the tessellation pattern. This transformation is what allows the shapes to repeat seamlessly and form a tessellation.

There are several types of tessellations, including periodic tessellations, which repeat in a regular pattern, and non-periodic tessellations, which do not repeat in a regular pattern. Each type of tessellation has its own unique properties and can be used to create different effects. Whether used for practical purposes such as floor or wall tiles, or for artistic expression, tessellation is a powerful technique for creating repeating patterns in two-dimensional space.

Versions of Tessellation Illusions

The following are some alternate versions of Tessellation Illusions:

Cafe-Wall-Illusion-Purple-Yellow-and-Black

Illusions like Tessellation Illusions

Tessellation is not an illusion by itself/ It is a real physical phenomenon that occurs when a two-dimensional plane is covered with repeating shapes without any gaps or overlaps. However, tessellations can be used to create optical illusions, such as when an artist creates a tessellation pattern that gives the impression of three-dimensional shapes or motions. In this sense, tessellation can be used as a tool to create illusions, but the tessellation itself is not an illusion.

There are several illusions that are similar to tessellation or use tessellation as a technique. Here are some examples:

Escher-style tessellations: M.C. Escher was a Dutch artist who was famous for creating tessellation patterns that appeared to form impossible constructions or scenes. These tessellations often use repetition and symmetry to create optical illusions.
Tessellated moire patterns: A moire pattern is created when two repeating patterns overlap and interact with each other. When tessellation patterns are used to create moire patterns, the result is a mesmerizing optical illusion.
Tiling illusions: Tiling illusions are similar to tessellations, but they use different shapes and patterns to create the illusion of depth, movement, or three-dimensionality. For example, a tiling illusion may use squares of different sizes or colors to create the illusion of a curved surface.
Kaleidoscopic patterns: Kaleidoscopic patterns are created by repeating a set of shapes in a symmetrical pattern, often with reflections. Kaleidoscopic patterns can be created using tessellation shapes, and they are often used to create mesmerizing optical illusions.

The following are some illusions that are similar:.

The Scintillating Grid Illusion, in which a grid of black and white squares appears to pulsate or “breathe” when viewed from the periphery of the image.

The Zöllner illusion is a visual illusion in which parallel lines appear to be angled due to the presence of intersecting lines.

The illusion is often used to study the brain’s perception of shape and spatial relationships. It is considered one of the most powerful and striking examples of a geometrical-optical illusion. The perception of the illusion can be explained by the brain’s tendency to group lines together based on their similarity in direction and spacing, which can lead to an overestimation of the angle between the parallel lines.

The Cafe Wall Illusion is a geometric optical illusion that is created by the alignment of parallel lines in a checkerboard pattern. The parallel lines appear to be tilted or slanted, even though they are actually straight.

This illusion is caused by the interaction of the lines with the edges of the squares in the checkerboard pattern, which creates the illusion of depth and perspective.

The Wundt illusion is an optical illusion produces an inversed effect compared to the Hering Illusion. The vertical lines are both straight, but they may look as if they are curved inwards.

The following MC Escher creations employ tessellation:

“Relativity” – A lithograph that depicts a world where gravity and direction are relative and interchangeable.

“Waterfall” – A woodcut print that features a seemingly impossible flow of water that cascades upward and through a gear system before falling back down into a pool.

“Sky and Water I” – A woodcut print that features an intricate pattern of birds and fish that seem to transform into each other.

“Day and Night” – A woodcut print that features a world where the boundary between day and night is fluid and interchangeable.

“Metamorphosis III” – A lithograph that features a series of interlocking shapes that seem to change and transform into one another.

“Hands Drawing Hands” – A lithograph that features a series of hands drawing hands, creating a never-ending cycle of creation.

Discovery of Tessellation

Tessellation has been used by many cultures throughout history, so it’s difficult to attribute its discovery to a single person. Some of the earliest known examples of tessellation can be found in ancient Egyptian and Greek art, where tessellated patterns were used to decorate floors and walls.

However, the artist who is perhaps most closely associated with tessellation is M.C. Escher, a Dutch artist who lived from 1898 to 1972. Escher was famous for his mathematically inspired art, which often featured tessellation patterns that appeared to form impossible constructions or scenes. He popularized tessellation as an art form and inspired a generation of artists and mathematicians to explore the possibilities of this technique.

Through his work, Escher helped to bring tessellation to the attention of a wider audience and demonstrated its potential as a tool for artistic expression and visual storytelling. Today, tessellation is widely recognized as an important element of mathematical and artistic heritage, and it continues to inspire new generations of artists and mathematicians alike.

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Illusion Knitting

Illusion knitting is a style of knitting where the pattern created appears to be different from the actual knit structure.

This is achieved by carefully choosing the colors and placement of stitches to create the illusion of a more complex pattern or image.

Illusion knitting often employs a technique called slip stitching, where certain stitches are slipped instead of being knit or purled, to create a hidden design that is revealed only when the knitting is stretched or viewed from a certain angle.

This style of knitting can be used to create a wide range of images and patterns, from simple geometric shapes to more complex designs featuring animals, landscapes, and portraits.

Illusion knitting is a fun and creative way for knitters to challenge their skills and create unique and eye-catching pieces.

How does Illusion Knitting work?
Versions of Illusion Knitting
Illusions like Illusion Knitting
Discovery of Illusion Knitting
References and Resources

How does Illusion Knitting work?

Illusion knitting works by using the properties of light and color to create the appearance of a more complex pattern or image.

The technique employs slip stitching, where certain stitches are slipped instead of being knit or purled, to create a hidden design that is revealed only when the knitting is stretched or viewed from a certain angle.

By carefully choosing the colors and placement of stitches, the knitter can create the illusion of a pattern or image that is different from the actual knit structure.

The final product gives the impression of a two-dimensional image floating on the surface of the knit fabric, creating a visual trick that is both surprising and appealing. Illusion knitting requires careful attention to detail and a good understanding of color theory, as well as the ability to follow a pattern and execute the slip stitch technique accurately.

Versions of Illusion Knitting

The following are other examples of Illusion Knitting

Illusions like Illusion Knitting

Illusion knitting is a visual illusion. It creates the appearance of a more complex pattern or image than what is actually represented in the knit structure.

This is achieved by carefully choosing the colors and placement of stitches to create the illusion of a hidden design that is revealed only when the knitting is stretched or viewed from a certain angle.

The final product gives the impression of a two-dimensional image floating on the surface of the knit fabric, creating a visual trick that is both surprising and appealing.

Some related illusions include the following:

Anamorphic street art is a form of street art that uses optical illusion to create a three-dimensional image when viewed from a specific angle.

Anamorphic street art is often created by distorting the image, so that when it is viewed from a specific viewpoint, the image appears to be three-dimensional and in full perspective.

It is often seen as a way of transforming urban spaces into playful, interactive environments.

An autostereogram is a type of image that appears to be a flat 2D image when viewed normally, but when viewed with a special technique, it appears to be a 3D image with depth and perspective.

Autostereograms are created by repeating a pattern of repeating elements, such as random dots, in such a way that the repeating elements at different depths in the image align with each other when viewed with the special technique. This creates the illusion of a 3D image.

The image below appears as a 2 dimensional flat image, but when viewed using one of the techniques mentioned below, a 3 dimensional shape appears.

Phantograms are 3D images that appear to float in space and can be viewed without special glasses or other aids. The term “Phantogram” is derived from the Greek words “phaneros,” meaning “visible,” and “gramma,” meaning “something written or drawn.”

Phantograms are created by taking two photos of an object from slightly different angles and then printing the images on a flat surface, such as a piece of paper or card. The two images are then viewed together, and the slight differences in perspective create the illusion of depth and the appearance of a floating 3D object.

Persistence of vision is the phenomenon by which the brain continues to perceive an image even after the image is no longer present.

This occurs because the cells in the retina, called rods and cones, take a brief period of time to “reset” after being stimulated.

A color constancy illusion is a type of visual illusion in which a color appears to be different when viewed in different contexts.

For example, the same patch of color may appear lighter or darker when viewed against different backgrounds, or may appear to change color when viewed under different lighting conditions.