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Cheshire Cat Illusion

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Cheshire Cat Illusion

The Cheshire Cat Illusion is a type of optical illusion that involves a partial disappearance of an object. It is named after the famous character from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” who famously disappears leaving only his grin behind.

Check out these examples of the Cheshire Cat Illusion and then scroll down to learn more abut the Cheshire Cat Illusion.

To make it work, stare at the cat’s nose for a while and then watch the colors fade away.

Cheshire Cat Illusion
Cheshire Cat Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Cheshire Cat Illusion?

The Cheshire Cat Illusion is a type of optical illusion that involves a partial disappearance of an object. It is named after the famous character from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” who famously disappears leaving only his grin behind.

In the Cheshire Cat Illusion, an object appears to disappear gradually from view, leaving behind only a part of itself. This effect is created by a combination of perspective and contrast, where the object in question is gradually moved or tilted away from the viewer’s line of sight, causing it to appear to fade away gradually.

One common example of the Cheshire Cat Illusion is the “floating arm trick,” where a person holds their arm out straight in front of them and then moves it behind an object, such as a post or a tree. As the arm disappears from view, only the hand and fingers remain visible, creating the illusion of a floating hand.

The Cheshire Cat Illusion is a fascinating example of how our brains perceive visual information, and it is often used in art, magic tricks, and optical illusions to create surprising and intriguing effects.

How does the Cheshire Cat Illusion Work?

The Cheshire Cat Illusion works by exploiting our visual perception of objects in three-dimensional space. It is created by a combination of perspective and contrast, which tricks our brains into perceiving an object as partially disappearing from view.

Here’s how it works:

  1. When we look at an object in three-dimensional space, our brains use various visual cues such as size, shape, and perspective to determine the object’s position and distance from us.
  2. As an object moves further away from us, it appears smaller and less detailed, and its contrast with the background decreases.
  3. In the Cheshire Cat Illusion, an object is moved or tilted away from the viewer’s line of sight, causing it to gradually disappear from view.
  4. As the object moves further away, it appears smaller and less detailed, and its contrast with the background decreases. This makes it appear as if the object is gradually fading away, leaving only a part of itself behind.
  5. Our brains use this information to interpret the object as partially disappearing from view, creating the illusion of the Cheshire Cat’s disappearing grin or the floating arm trick.

The Cheshire Cat Illusion is a fascinating example of how our brains perceive visual information and how easily they can be fooled by visual cues. It is often used in art, magic tricks, and optical illusions to create surprising and intriguing effects.


Some Similar Illusions

There are several other optical illusions that are similar to the Cheshire Cat Illusion in that they involve partial disappearance or partial appearance of objects. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Ponzo Illusion: This illusion involves two lines of equal length that are placed between converging lines, which make one line appear larger than the other.
  2. Troxler’s Fading Illusion: 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.
  3. The Kanizsa Triangle: This illusion involves three pac-man-like shapes arranged to form a triangle, even though no such triangle exists.
  4. The Café Wall Illusion: This illusion involves a series of black and white squares that appear to be offset diagonally due to the way the lines between them are drawn.
  5. The Blivet: This illusion involves an object that appears to have three prongs at one end and two prongs at the other, even though it is actually an impossible object.

All of these illusions rely on our brain’s ability to process visual information and interpret it in a way that may not be entirely accurate or consistent with reality. They are fascinating examples of how easily our brains can be tricked by visual cues and how much our perception of the world around us depends on context and perspective.

Discovery of the Cheshire Cat Illusion

The Cheshire Cat Illusion is a well-known phenomenon in the field of perceptual psychology and optical illusions, but it is not attributed to any single person or discovery.

The illusion takes its name from the character in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” where the Cheshire Cat famously disappears leaving only his grin behind.

The illusion itself has been observed and studied by many researchers over the years, and it is often used in art, magic tricks, and optical illusions to create surprising and intriguing effects.

So, the discovery of the Cheshire Cat Illusion can be attributed to the collective efforts of researchers and artists who have studied and utilized the phenomenon over the years.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Blue Flash Illusion

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Blue Flash Illusion

The Blue Flash illusion is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs just as the sun rises or sets over the horizon. It is a brief, intense burst of blue light that appears for just a second or two, and is usually only visible under very specific conditions.

Check out these images of the Blue Flash illusion and then scroll down to learn more about how it works.

Blue Flash Illusion
Blue Flash Illusion
Blue Flash Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Blue Flash Illusion?

The Blue Flash is a rare atmospheric phenomenon that is similar to the Green Flash, but instead of a green light, a brief flash of blue light is visible just as the sun sets or rises over the horizon. The Blue Flash occurs as a result of atmospheric refraction, which is the bending of light as it passes through different layers of the Earth’s atmosphere.

As the sun approaches the horizon, its light passes through a thicker layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, causing the light to bend or refract more than it does when the sun is higher in the sky. Because blue light has a shorter wavelength than other colors of light, it is refracted more than the longer wavelengths of light such as red, orange, and yellow. This causes a brief flash of blue light to be visible just as the sun is about to disappear below the horizon.

The Blue Flash is much less common than the Green Flash, and it requires specific atmospheric conditions to occur. Clear skies and a very low horizon are necessary, as well as a lack of atmospheric turbulence or haze. The Blue Flash is a rare and beautiful event that can be quite mesmerizing to observe, but it requires careful observation and timing to catch it at just the right moment.

How does the Blue Flash Illusion Work?

The Blue Flash illusion is a phenomenon that is similar to the Green Flash, but instead of a green light, a brief flash of blue light is visible just as the sun sets or rises over the horizon. The Blue Flash is also caused by atmospheric refraction, but the details of how it works are slightly different from the Green Flash.

Here is how the Blue Flash works:

  1. As the sun approaches the horizon, its light passes through a thicker layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, which causes the light to bend or refract more than it does when the sun is higher in the sky.
  2. Because blue light has a shorter wavelength than other colors of light, it is refracted more than the longer wavelengths of light such as red, orange, and yellow.
  3. The result is that just as the sun is about to disappear below the horizon, a brief flash of blue light is visible for a split second.
  4. The Blue Flash is much less common than the Green Flash, as the atmospheric conditions need to be just right for it to occur. Clear skies and a very low horizon are necessary, as well as a lack of atmospheric turbulence or haze.
  5. Like the Green Flash, the Blue Flash is a rare and beautiful event that can be quite mesmerizing to observe. However, it is even more fleeting than the Green Flash, and requires careful observation to catch it at just the right moment.

Similar Phenomena to the Blue Flash Illusion

There are several optical phenomena that are similar to the Blue Flash. Some of these include:

  1. The Green Flash – Similar to the Blue Flash, but instead of blue light, a brief flash of green light is visible just as the sun sets or rises over the horizon. This is caused by the same atmospheric refraction that creates the Blue Flash.
  2. Crepuscular Rays – Also known as “God rays”, these are rays of sunlight that appear to radiate from the sun when it is low on the horizon. They are caused by the scattering of sunlight by dust, moisture, or other particles in the atmosphere.
  3. The Belt of Venus – A pinkish-purple band of light that appears on the horizon just after sunset or just before sunrise. This is caused by the scattering of sunlight by the Earth’s atmosphere.
  4. Fata Morgana – A mirage that occurs when light is refracted through layers of air with different temperatures and densities, causing objects to appear distorted or even upside down. This can occur over both land and water.
  5. The Halo Effect – A ring of light that appears around the sun or moon when light is refracted through ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. This creates a circle of light that can be seen even during the day.

All of these phenomena are caused by the way that light interacts with the Earth’s atmosphere and the different particles and elements that make up the air. They can be beautiful and fascinating to observe, and can add an element of magic and wonder to the natural world.

Discovery of the Blue Flash Illusion

The Blue Flash, like the Green Flash, is a natural phenomenon that has been observed by many people over the years, and it is difficult to attribute its discovery to any one person.

However, one of the earliest recorded observations of the Blue Flash was made by Captain James Cook, the famous British explorer, during his second voyage to the Pacific in 1772-1775. In his journal, Cook described a “blue light” that appeared just as the sun was setting over the horizon, which is believed to be an early description of the Blue Flash.

Since then, many other scientists, sailors, and observers have documented and studied the Blue Flash, helping to further our understanding of this rare and beautiful natural event. However, it is worth noting that the Blue Flash is much less well-known than the Green Flash, and it is a much rarer phenomenon to observe.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Green Flash Illusion

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Green Flash Illusion

The Green Flash illusion is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs just as the sun rises or sets over the horizon. It is a brief, intense burst of green light that appears for just a second or two, and is usually only visible under very specific conditions.

Check out these images of the Green Flash illusion and then scroll down to learn more about how it works.

Green Flash Illusion
Green Flash Illusion
Green Flash Illusion
Green Flash Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Green Flash Illusion?

The Green Flash illusion is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs just as the sun rises or sets over the horizon. It is a brief, intense burst of green light that appears for just a second or two, and is usually only visible under very specific conditions.

The Green Flash occurs because the Earth’s atmosphere acts like a prism, bending the light rays from the sun as they pass through different layers of the atmosphere. This causes the different colors of light to be separated slightly, with red light bending the least and violet light bending the most. Under normal conditions, the atmosphere disperses the colors of light so much that they blend together and the green flash is not visible.

However, when the conditions are just right, such as when the atmosphere is very clear and there is no haze or pollution in the air, the green flash can be observed as the last sliver of the sun dips below the horizon. This occurs because green light is refracted more than other colors of light, causing it to appear for a moment longer as the sun sets. The effect is also seen just before the sun rises, as the green flash appears for a brief moment before the sun fully appears over the horizon.

The Green Flash illusion is a rare and beautiful sight, and is often considered a symbol of good luck or a spiritual event by some people who witness it. However, it requires very specific atmospheric conditions and can be difficult to see, so it is not always visible even in areas where it is known to occur.

How does the Green Flash Illusion Work?

The Green Flash illusion is a phenomenon that occurs when the Earth’s atmosphere refracts or bends sunlight, causing the different colors of light to separate slightly. The process can be explained as follows:

  1. When the sun is just below the horizon, the Earth’s atmosphere acts like a prism and bends the sun’s light as it passes through different layers of the atmosphere.
  2. The different colors of light in the sun’s rays are refracted or bent by different amounts, with red light bending the least and violet light bending the most.
  3. Normally, the atmosphere disperses the colors of light so much that they blend together, making it difficult to distinguish any one color. However, when the atmospheric conditions are just right, the green light is refracted more than the other colors of light.
  4. As a result, when the sun is just below the horizon, the green light appears to remain visible for a brief moment longer than the other colors of light.
  5. The effect is called a Green Flash because it appears as a sudden burst of green light, which can last for just a second or two before disappearing.

To observe a Green Flash illusion, the atmospheric conditions need to be very clear and there should be no haze, pollution or clouds in the air. The phenomenon is often observed over open bodies of water, such as oceans or lakes, where the air is usually clear and unobstructed. However, the Green Flash is a rare and fleeting event, and may require patience, persistence and a bit of luck to see.

Similar Phenomena to the Green Flash Illusion

There are several optical phenomena that are similar to the Green Flash. Some of these include:

  1. The Blue Flash – Similar to the Green Flash, but instead of green light, a brief flash of blue light is visible just as the sun sets or rises over the horizon. This is caused by the same atmospheric refraction that creates the Green Flash.
  2. Crepuscular Rays – Also known as “God rays”, these are rays of sunlight that appear to radiate from the sun when it is low on the horizon. They are caused by the scattering of sunlight by dust, moisture, or other particles in the atmosphere.
  3. The Belt of Venus – A pinkish-purple band of light that appears on the horizon just after sunset or just before sunrise. This is caused by the scattering of sunlight by the Earth’s atmosphere.
  4. Fata Morgana – A mirage that occurs when light is refracted through layers of air with different temperatures and densities, causing objects to appear distorted or even upside down. This can occur over both land and water.
  5. The Halo Effect – A ring of light that appears around the sun or moon when light is refracted through ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. This creates a circle of light that can be seen even during the day.

All of these phenomena are caused by the way that light interacts with the Earth’s atmosphere and the different particles and elements that make up the air. They can be beautiful and fascinating to observe, and can add an element of magic and wonder to the natural world.

Discovery of the Green Flash Illusion

The Green Flash is a natural phenomenon that has been known to mariners and coastal observers for centuries. It is difficult to attribute its discovery to any one person, as it was likely observed and recorded by many people over a long period of time.

However, the first recorded observation of the Green Flash is usually credited to Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer who observed the phenomenon in 1792 during his voyage to the Pacific Northwest. He described it as a “sudden, momentary flash of green light” that appeared just as the sun was setting over the horizon.

Since then, many other scientists, sailors, and observers have documented and studied the Green Flash, helping to further our understanding of this rare and beautiful natural event.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Glory Illusion

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Broken Spectre 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.

Broken Spectre Illusion
Broken Spectre Illusion
Broken Spectre Illusion
Broken Spectre Illusion


Table of Contents

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:

  1. When sunlight enters a cloud or mist, it encounters small water droplets suspended in the air.
  2. The sunlight is scattered in all directions by the water droplets, causing it to be spread out and diffracted.
  3. Some of the scattered light is scattered back towards the observer’s direction.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion

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Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion

This Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion by Artist Pearl Whitecrow Brown uses illusory motion to create the perception that the colorful octopus is actually moving.

Stare at the design and you’ll see the octopus appear to move slightly as if it was naturally swaying in an ocean current.

Illusory motion is a perceptual phenomenon in which a stationary image appears to be moving. It occurs when visual cues in the image trick the brain into perceiving motion, even though there is no actual movement taking place. If you are interested, scroll down to learn more about it.

Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion
Artist Pearl Whitecrow Brown


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What is Illusory Motion in the Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion?

Illusory motion is a perceptual phenomenon in which a stationary image appears to be moving. It occurs when visual cues in the image trick the brain into perceiving motion, even though there is no actual movement taking place.

Illusory motion can be caused by a variety of visual cues, including patterns of light and shadow, color gradients, and geometrical shapes. One well-known example of illusory motion is the motion aftereffect, also known as the waterfall illusion. This occurs when a person views a rapidly moving image, such as a waterfall, for an extended period of time. Afterward, when they view a stationary image, such as a static picture of a landscape, it appears to be moving in the opposite direction.

Another example of illusory motion is the peripheral drift illusion, in which a stationary image with a pattern of black and white stripes appears to be moving in a circular or spiral pattern. This illusion is thought to be caused by the way in which the visual system processes information from the peripheral areas of the retina.

Illusory motion is a fascinating example of how the brain can be tricked into perceiving motion, even when there is no actual movement taking place. It is also a useful tool for studying the mechanisms of visual perception and the ways in which the brain processes complex visual information.

How does Illusory Motion in the Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion Work?

Illusory motion works by exploiting the way in which the brain processes visual information. The visual system is composed of a complex network of neurons that are responsible for processing different aspects of the visual scene, such as color, shape, and motion.

When an image is presented to the eyes, it is first processed by the retina, which converts the light into neural signals that are sent to the brain. These signals are then transmitted to different areas of the visual cortex, where they are further processed and integrated into a coherent representation of the visual scene.

Illusory motion occurs when visual cues in the image trick the brain into perceiving motion, even though there is no actual movement taking place. This can happen in several different ways, depending on the specific type of illusion being experienced.

For example, the motion aftereffect illusion occurs when a person views a rapidly moving image for an extended period of time. This causes the neurons in the visual system that respond to motion to adapt and become less responsive to the original direction of motion. When the person then views a stationary image, the neurons that respond to motion in the opposite direction become more active, leading to the perception of motion in the opposite direction.

Similarly, the peripheral drift illusion occurs when a stationary image with a pattern of black and white stripes is presented to the eyes. The stripes create a pattern that mimics the motion of a rotating spiral or circle, tricking the brain into perceiving motion.

In both cases, the illusion is created by manipulating the way in which the visual system processes information. By understanding how illusory motion works, researchers can gain insights into the mechanisms of visual perception and the ways in which the brain processes complex visual information.


Some Similar Illusions to the Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion

If you liked the the Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion, you should check out these Colorful Illusory Motion examples and these cool Black and White Illusory Motion examples.

Discovery of Illusory Motion

The phenomenon of illusory motion has been known for centuries, and many different individuals have contributed to its discovery and study. However, it is difficult to credit any one person with its discovery, as it has been studied by many researchers from a variety of fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and visual arts.

One early example of illusory motion can be seen in the work of the ancient Greek artist Zeuxis, who was known for creating paintings that appeared to be moving. In the modern era, researchers such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Joseph Plateau, and Ernst Mach made significant contributions to the study of illusory motion, laying the groundwork for later work in psychology and neuroscience.

Today, illusory motion continues to be a subject of ongoing research and study, and many researchers from around the world are actively working to uncover the underlying mechanisms and implications of this fascinating perceptual phenomenon. While the discovery of illusory motion cannot be attributed to any one individual, its study and exploration has been a collaborative effort across many different fields of research.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Amazing Moving Octopus Illusion

Cool Moving Color Contrast Illusion

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In this Cool Moving Color Contrast Illusion the moving ball never changes color. It appears to change because the background changes. This illusion is sometimes called the Chromatic Motion Illusion as well.

Check it out and then scroll down to learn more about how it works.


Table of Contents

What is the Moving Color Contrast Illusion?

The Moving Color Contrast Illusion is a type of anomalous motion illusion that involves a stationary object appearing to move or change color due to changes in the surrounding colors. This illusion is created by presenting a colored object on a background of different colors that are changing in brightness or saturation.

When the colors in the background change, they create a contrast with the stationary object, which can make it appear to move in the opposite direction. For example, if a blue square is presented on a background of yellow and green stripes that are oscillating in brightness, the blue square may appear to move up and down or back and forth, even though it is actually stationary. It can also have the effect of making an object appear to change color when it moves across a varied background.

This illusion is thought to occur because the brain is constantly processing information about color and contrast in the visual field, and it uses this information to create a sense of motion and direction. The Moving Color Contrast Illusion is a striking example of how the brain can be fooled by visual cues and how illusions can provide insights into the workings of the visual system.

How does the Moving Color Contrast Illusion Work?


The Moving Color Contrast Illusion works by exploiting the way the visual system processes information about color and contrast in the visual field.

When an object is presented on a background of changing colors, it creates a contrast that can affect how the brain perceives the object’s position and color. Specifically, the brain may interpret the contrast as motion in the opposite direction, even though the object is stationary. This is because the visual system is constantly trying to create a coherent representation of the world around us, and it uses cues like color and contrast to do so.

The precise mechanism behind the Moving Color Contrast Illusion is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to involve interactions between different processing pathways in the brain, including those that are involved in color perception and motion processing. By studying illusions like this, scientists and researchers can gain a better understanding of how the visual system works and how the brain constructs our sense of reality.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several illusions that are similar to the Moving Color Contrast Illusion in that they involve the perception of motion or color change where there is none. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Waterfall Illusion: In this illusion, a stationary image of a waterfall appears to be moving upwards after the viewer has been looking at it for a certain amount of time.
  2. The Motion Aftereffect: This illusion occurs when a viewer looks at a moving pattern for a certain amount of time, and then looks at a stationary pattern, causing the stationary pattern to appear to move in the opposite direction.
  3. The Pinna-Brelstaff Illusion: This illusion involves a set of spirals that are superimposed on top of each other, creating the impression of motion.
  4. The Rotating Snakes Illusion: This illusion features a set of snakes that appear to be rotating in a circle, even though they are actually stationary.
  5. The Peripheral Drift Illusion: In this illusion, a set of black and white lines appears to be rotating around a central point, even though the lines are actually stationary.

All of these illusions, including the Moving Color Contrast Illusion, demonstrate how the brain can be fooled by visual cues and how our perception of motion can be influenced by the visual context in which it occurs.

Discovery of the Moving Color Contrast Illusion

The Moving Color Contrast Illusion, also known as the Chromatic Motion Illusion, was first described by the Italian psychologist, Giovanni Caputo, in a paper published in 1998. Caputo’s paper described an experiment in which participants viewed a stationary, colored disc surrounded by a flickering colored ring. When the colors of the disc and the ring were different, participants reported that the disc appeared to move in the opposite direction of the flickering ring, even though it was physically stationary.

Caputo’s work has been built upon by many other researchers since its initial publication, and the Moving Color Contrast Illusion has become a well-known and widely studied phenomenon in the field of perception and cognition. Today, the illusion is still the subject of ongoing research, and scientists continue to investigate the underlying mechanisms that give rise to the perception of motion in the absence of physical movement.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Anomalous Motion Illusions

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anomalous motion illusion

These cool Anomalous motion illusions are visual illusions that occurs when an object appears to move in a way that is unexpected or impossible based on the laws of physics.

Check out this collection of cool Anomalous Motion Illusions then scroll down to learn more about how Anomalous Motion Illusions work.

Stare at each of these illusions and watch them move, but trust us, they are all static images!

anomalous motion illusion
anomalous motion illusion
anomalous motion illusion
anomalous motion illusion
anomalous motion illusion
anomalous motion illusion
Mardi Gras Spiral Illusion
Mardi Gras Illusions


Table of Contents

What are Anomalous Motion Illusions?

An anomalous motion illusion is a type of visual illusion that occurs when an object appears to move in a way that is unexpected or impossible based on the laws of physics. Anomalous motion illusions can be caused by a variety of perceptual factors, including motion aftereffects, contrast effects, and other visual illusions.

One common type of anomalous motion illusion is the waterfall illusion, in which an observer views a continuously moving waterfall for a period of time and then looks at a stationary object, such as a rock or a wall. The stationary object will appear to move in the opposite direction of the waterfall, creating the illusion of anomalous motion.

Another example is the rotating snakes illusion, in which a pattern of concentric circles appears to be rotating continuously, even though it is actually a static image. This illusion is caused by the way in which the circles are arranged and colored, which creates a perceptual effect that makes them appear to be in motion.

Anomalous motion illusions are interesting to scientists and researchers because they can provide insights into the workings of the visual system and the brain. By studying the ways in which the brain processes visual information and creates illusions of motion, researchers can gain a better understanding of how perception works and how the brain constructs our sense of reality.

How do Anomalous Motion Illusions Work?

Anomalous motion illusions work by exploiting the way in which the human visual system processes and interprets visual information. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including motion aftereffects, contrast effects, and other perceptual factors.

One common cause of is the motion aftereffect, which occurs when the brain adapts to a particular direction of motion and then perceives subsequent motion in the opposite direction. For example, if an observer views a moving stimulus that is predominantly moving upwards for a period of time, the neurons in the visual system that respond to upward motion will become fatigued, causing the observer to perceive subsequent motion as moving downwards.

Contrast effects can also contribute to the illusion. When an observer views a pattern of alternating light and dark areas, the perceived brightness and contrast of each area can be influenced by the surrounding areas. This can create the illusion of motion or movement, even when the stimulus is static.

Other perceptual factors, such as the arrangement of shapes or colors, can also create anomalous motion illusions. For example, the rotating snakes illusion is caused by the way in which the circles are arranged and colored, creating a perceptual effect that makes them appear to be in motion.

Overall, anomalous motion illusions occur because the human visual system is constantly interpreting and processing visual information in order to construct our sense of reality. By exploiting the limitations and quirks of this system, illusions can create the perception of motion and movement that is not actually present in the stimulus.


Some Similar Illusions

There are many different types of illusions that are similar to anomalous motion illusions. Here are some examples:

  1. Motion aftereffects: These illusions occur when the brain adapts to a particular direction of motion and then perceives subsequent motion in the opposite direction. For example, after watching a moving stimulus for a period of time, an observer may perceive subsequent motion as moving in the opposite direction.
  2. Stroboscopic effects: These illusions occur when an object is viewed through a series of rapid flashes of light. The object may appear to be in motion, even though it is actually moving in a series of discrete steps.
  3. Phi phenomenon: This illusion occurs when an observer perceives a series of stationary objects as moving due to the way they are presented in sequence. For example, a series of lights flashing in sequence may be perceived as moving along a line.
  4. Size-contrast illusions: These illusions occur when an object appears larger or smaller depending on the size of the objects around it. For example, a circle surrounded by smaller circles may appear larger than a circle surrounded by larger circles.
  5. Color-contrast illusions: These illusions occur when the perceived color of an object is influenced by the colors surrounding it. For example, a gray square surrounded by a white background may appear darker than the same square surrounded by a black background.

Overall, illusions are fascinating phenomena that can provide insights into the workings of the visual system and the brain. By studying the ways in which illusions are created and perceived, scientists and researchers can gain a better understanding of how perception works and how the brain constructs our sense of reality.

Discovery of Anomalous Motion Illusions

Anomalous motion illusions have been observed and studied by scientists and researchers for many years, and it is difficult to attribute their discovery to a single person. However, the study of visual illusions has a long history, dating back to ancient Greece and the work of philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. In more recent times, scientists and psychologists have been studying illusions and the visual system for centuries.

One of the earliest researchers to study anomalous motion illusions was German physiologist Johann Friedrich Horner, who published a study on the phenomenon in 1860. In the early 20th century, British psychologist Frederick Bartlett conducted extensive research on visual illusions, including anomalous motion illusions. Since then, many researchers and scientists have contributed to the study of illusions and the visual system, and the field continues to evolve and expand today.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Rotating Horse Illusion

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Rotating Horse Illusion

The Rotating Horse Optical Illusion is a visual illusion in which a static image of a horse appears to be rotating on its own. The illusion was first created by Japanese psychologist Akiyoshi Kitaoka in 2003.

So, check out the illusion below and decide for yourself which way you think the horse is rating.

Afterwards, scroll down and learn more about how the illusion works.

Rotating Horse Illusion
Rotating Horse Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Rotating Horse Illusion?

The Rotating Horse Illusion is a visual illusion in which a static image of a horse appears to be rotating on its own. The illusion was first created by Japanese psychologist Akiyoshi Kitaoka in 2003 and is similar to the Spinning Dancer illusion.

In the illusion, the horse appears to be standing on a checkered pattern background. However, the checkered pattern is not stationary; instead, it is made up of several diagonal lines that are slightly curved. When the image is viewed, the curved lines create an optical illusion that causes the horse to appear to be rotating clockwise or counterclockwise.

The illusion works because of the way our visual system processes and interprets information. The curved lines in the checkered pattern create an effect known as the “Pinna-Brelstaff illusion,” which tricks the brain into perceiving motion where there is none. This illusion is similar to the motion seen in a barber pole, where the stripes appear to be moving even though they are not.

The illusion is a popular example of a type of optical illusion known as a “peripheral drift illusion,” which creates the impression of motion by exploiting the way our eyes and brain process visual information. It is a fascinating example of how our brains can be tricked into seeing something that is not really there.

How does the Rotating Horse Illusion Work?

The Rotating Horse Illusion works by exploiting the way our visual system processes and interprets information. The illusion is created by combining a static image of a horse with a checkered pattern background that is composed of several diagonal lines that are slightly curved.

When we look at the image, our brain tries to make sense of the visual information by interpreting the patterns and colors that we see. However, the curved lines in the checkered pattern create an effect known as the “Pinna-Brelstaff illusion,” which tricks our brain into perceiving motion where there is none.

The Pinna-Brelstaff illusion occurs because the curved lines create a conflicting visual signal that our brain cannot easily resolve. The diagonal lines in the checkered pattern suggest motion in one direction, while the curvature of the lines suggests motion in another direction. As a result, our brain interprets the image as rotating in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, even though the image itself is static.

This illusion is similar to the motion seen in a barber pole or a zoetrope, where a series of static images creates the illusion of motion. In the case of the this Illusion, the static image of the horse combined with the curved lines in the checkered pattern creates an optical illusion that tricks our brain into perceiving motion where there is none.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many illusions that are similar to the Rotating Horse Illusion in that they exploit the way our visual system processes and interprets information to create the impression of motion. Some examples of similar illusions include:

  1. Pinwheel Illusion: In this illusion, a static image of a pinwheel appears to be rotating due to the arrangement of the spokes.
  2. Spinning Dancer Illusion: This illusion features a silhouette of a dancer that appears to be spinning either clockwise or counterclockwise.
  3. Motion Aftereffect Illusion: This illusion occurs when we stare at a moving object for a prolonged period and then look at a stationary object, which appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
  4. Wagon-Wheel Illusion: This illusion occurs when a spoked wheel appears to be rotating in the opposite direction of its actual motion due to the way the spokes are arranged.
  5. Peripheral Drift Illusion: This illusion features a static pattern that appears to be in motion due to the arrangement of the lines and shapes.

All of these illusions rely on the way our brain processes visual information and can be fascinating examples of how our perception of the world around us can be influenced and distorted by visual cues.

Discovery of the Rotating Horse Illusion

The Rotating Horse Illusion that is popularly known today was first created by Japanese psychologist Akiyoshi Kitaoka in 2003. Kitaoka is well-known for creating many optical illusions, and the Rotating Horse Illusion is one of his most famous works.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Amazing Colorful Illusory Motion

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Illusory Motion Colorful

Check our these awesome colorful Illusory Motion designs. Stare at the design and you’ll see movement even though the are completely static images.

Illusory motion is a perceptual phenomenon in which a stationary image appears to be moving. It occurs when visual cues in the image trick the brain into perceiving motion, even though there is no actual movement taking place.

Illusory Motion Colorful
Illusory Motion Colorful
Illusory Motion Colorful
Mardi Gras Spiral Illusion
Mardi Gras Illusions
Purple Peripheral Drift Illusion

Illusory Motion Colorful


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What is Colorful Illusory Motion?

Illusory motion is a perceptual phenomenon in which a stationary image appears to be moving. It occurs when visual cues in the image trick the brain into perceiving motion, even though there is no actual movement taking place.

Illusory motion can be caused by a variety of visual cues, including patterns of light and shadow, color gradients, and geometrical shapes. One well-known example of illusory motion is the motion aftereffect, also known as the waterfall illusion. This occurs when a person views a rapidly moving image, such as a waterfall, for an extended period of time. Afterward, when they view a stationary image, such as a static picture of a landscape, it appears to be moving in the opposite direction.

Another example of illusory motion is the peripheral drift illusion, in which a stationary image with a pattern of black and white stripes appears to be moving in a circular or spiral pattern. This illusion is thought to be caused by the way in which the visual system processes information from the peripheral areas of the retina.

Illusory motion is a fascinating example of how the brain can be tricked into perceiving motion, even when there is no actual movement taking place. It is also a useful tool for studying the mechanisms of visual perception and the ways in which the brain processes complex visual information.

How does Colorful Illusory Motion Work?


Illusory motion works by exploiting the way in which the brain processes visual information. The visual system is composed of a complex network of neurons that are responsible for processing different aspects of the visual scene, such as color, shape, and motion.

When an image is presented to the eyes, it is first processed by the retina, which converts the light into neural signals that are sent to the brain. These signals are then transmitted to different areas of the visual cortex, where they are further processed and integrated into a coherent representation of the visual scene.

Illusory motion occurs when visual cues in the image trick the brain into perceiving motion, even though there is no actual movement taking place. This can happen in several different ways, depending on the specific type of illusion being experienced.

For example, the motion aftereffect illusion occurs when a person views a rapidly moving image for an extended period of time. This causes the neurons in the visual system that respond to motion to adapt and become less responsive to the original direction of motion. When the person then views a stationary image, the neurons that respond to motion in the opposite direction become more active, leading to the perception of motion in the opposite direction.

Similarly, the peripheral drift illusion occurs when a stationary image with a pattern of black and white stripes is presented to the eyes. The stripes create a pattern that mimics the motion of a rotating spiral or circle, tricking the brain into perceiving motion.

In both cases, the illusion is created by manipulating the way in which the visual system processes information. By understanding how illusory motion works, researchers can gain insights into the mechanisms of visual perception and the ways in which the brain processes complex visual information.

Discovery of Colorful Illusory Motion

The phenomenon of illusory motion has been known for centuries, and many different individuals have contributed to its discovery and study. However, it is difficult to credit any one person with its discovery, as it has been studied by many researchers from a variety of fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and visual arts.

One early example of illusory motion can be seen in the work of the ancient Greek artist Zeuxis, who was known for creating paintings that appeared to be moving. In the modern era, researchers such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Joseph Plateau, and Ernst Mach made significant contributions to the study of illusory motion, laying the groundwork for later work in psychology and neuroscience.

Today, illusory motion continues to be a subject of ongoing research and study, and many researchers from around the world are actively working to uncover the underlying mechanisms and implications of this fascinating perceptual phenomenon. While the discovery of illusory motion cannot be attributed to any one individual, its study and exploration has been a collaborative effort across many different fields of research.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions and check out these cool Black and White Illusory Motion examples.

Ambiguous Columns Illusion

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Ambiguous Columns Illusion

In this Ambiguous Columns Illusion, do you see the columns, do you see the people, or do you see both?

This Ambiguous Columns Illusion is a classic of figure-ground perception illusion (like the Rubin Vase), which works because of the human visual system’s ability to separate an object from its background.

Ambiguous Columns Illusion
Ambiguous Columns Illusion


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What is the Ambiguous Columns Illusion?

The Ambiguous Columns Illusion is a figure-ground illusion.

Figure-ground illusions are a type of visual illusion that involve the perception of a two-dimensional image as either a foreground object (the figure) or a background (the ground). In these illusions, the viewer’s perception of the image can shift back and forth between the figure and the ground, depending on various factors such as contrast, color, and spatial arrangement.

One common example of a figure-ground illusion is the Rubin vase illusion, which involves an image that can be perceived either as a vase in the foreground or as two faces in the background. Another example is the Kanizsa triangle illusion, in which three circles arranged in a triangular pattern can create the perception of a white triangle in the center.

Other types of figure-ground illusions include the necker cube, in which a two-dimensional drawing can be perceived as a three-dimensional cube that can shift between different orientations, and the duck-rabbit illusion, in which an image can be perceived either as a duck or a rabbit.

Figure-ground illusions are interesting because they show how our perception of an image can be influenced by both the physical properties of the image itself and our own perceptual biases and expectations. They also demonstrate the complex nature of visual perception and the brain’s ability to interpret and make sense of the visual world.

How does the Ambiguous Columns Illusion Work?

The Ambiguous Columns Illusion is a figure-ground illusion.

Figure-ground illusions work by manipulating the way that our brains perceive visual information. When we look at a two-dimensional image, our brains automatically separate the image into two parts: the foreground (the figure) and the background (the ground).

The way that we perceive the figure and ground depends on several factors, including contrast, color, and spatial arrangement. For example, if an image has high contrast between the figure and the background, or if the figure is a different color than the background, our brains are more likely to perceive the figure as the foreground object. Similarly, if the figure is positioned in the center of the image, our brains are more likely to perceive it as the foreground object.

However, if the image has low contrast or if the figure is a similar color to the background, our brains may have difficulty distinguishing between the figure and the ground, and our perception may shift back and forth between the two. This is often the case with ambiguous images, such as the Rubin vase illusion, in which the image can be perceived as either a vase or two faces, depending on which part is perceived as the figure and which is perceived as the ground.

Overall, figure-ground illusions demonstrate the complex and dynamic nature of visual perception, and how our brains interpret and make sense of visual information based on a variety of cues and factors. They are a fascinating area of study for psychologists, neuroscientists, and vision researchers, and continue to captivate and intrigue people of all ages.

Discovery of the Ambiguous Columns Illusion

The Ambiguous Columns Illusion is a classic figure-ground illusion.

The concept of figure-ground perception has been studied by philosophers and artists for centuries, but the scientific study of figure-ground illusions and visual perception more broadly is a relatively recent development.

One early researcher who made important contributions to the study of figure-ground perception was the German psychologist Edgar Rubin, who first described the now-famous Rubin vase illusion in the early 20th century. Rubin was interested in how the brain processes visual information and how it determines which parts of an image should be perceived as the figure and which should be perceived as the background.

Since Rubin’s time, many other researchers in psychology, neuroscience, and vision science have studied figure-ground perception and the many different types of illusions that can arise from it. Today, the study of visual perception and illusions is a vibrant and rapidly evolving field of research, with many ongoing studies aimed at unraveling the mysteries of how the brain processes and interprets visual information.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.