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All The Same Color Illusion

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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.

All the Same Color Illusion
All the Same Color Illusion
All the Same Color Illusion


Table of Contents

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

Check out our complete list of illusions.

The Boxes Aren’t Moving Illusion

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Boxes Aren't Moving

In this amazing boxes aren’t moving illusion, the boxes do not move at all.

The boxes aren’t moving illusion is one that uses a few techniques to create the impression of motion where there is actually none.

Check it out and then scroll down to learn more about the boxes aren’t moving illusion.


Table of Contents

What is the The Boxes Aren’t Moving Illusion Illusion?

In this amazing boxes aren’t moving illusion, the boxes do not move at all.

The boxes aren’t moving illusion is one that uses a few techniques to create the impression of motion where there is actually none.

The boxes aren’t moving illusions employs principles from two foundational optical illusions known as Beta Motion and the Scintillating Grid Illusion to create its awesome effect.

How does the The Boxes Aren’t Moving Illusion Work?

The boxes aren’t moving illusions employs principles from two foundational optical illusions known as Beta Motion and the Scintillating Grid Illusion to create its awesome effect.

In the scintillating grid illusion, a grid of intersecting lines is displayed on a black or white background. Small white or light-colored boxes are then placed at the intersections of the grid lines. When the grid is viewed, it appears as if the boxes are moving in a wave-like motion, even though they are actually stationary.

This illusion is created by the interaction of light and dark areas in the grid, which causes the brain to perceive motion where there is none. The dark areas between the boxes create a “negative afterimage” effect in the retina, which causes the brain to perceive motion in the light-colored boxes.

The scintillating grid illusion is a well-known example of a visual illusion and has been studied extensively by researchers interested in perception and visual processing. It’s an interesting example of how the brain can be fooled by simple visual stimuli, and is a reminder that our perception of the world is not always a perfect reflection of reality.

Beta motion, also known as apparent motion, is a type of visual illusion that creates the impression of motion from a series of stationary images.

In beta motion, two or more static images are presented in rapid succession, with each image slightly different from the previous one. When viewed in sequence, the images create the impression of motion, even though each image is actually stationary. This illusion is often used in animation and film to create the impression of movement.

Beta motion works by exploiting the way that the human brain processes visual information. When two images are presented in rapid succession, the brain perceives them as a single object in motion, rather than as two separate images. This is known as the “phi phenomenon,” and is the basis for many types of visual illusions, including beta motion.

Beta motion is an important concept in the field of visual perception and has applications in many areas, including animation, film, and advertising. By understanding how the brain processes visual information, designers and animators can create more effective and engaging visual content that captures the viewer’s attention and imagination.


Discovery of the The Boxes Aren’t Moving Illusion

The boxes aren’t moving illusions employs principles from two foundational optical illusions known as Beta Motion and the Scintillating Grid Illusion to create its awesome effect.

The Scintillating Grid Illusion was first described by an American psychologist, Edward H. Adelson in 1995.

Edward Adelson is a professor of vision science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a member of the MIT Media Lab.

He is known for his research in the field of computer vision, particularly his work on the perception of lightness and the “checkerboard illusion.”

He is also a recipient of the David Marr Prize, which is given by the International Association for Computer Vision to “outstanding young investigators” in the field of computer vision.

The beta movement illusion is a well-known phenomenon that has been studied and described by many researchers over the years.

The earliest known description of the beta movement illusion was made by the German physiologist Ewald Hering in the late 19th century. He observed that the perception of motion can be created by the rapid presentation of a series of static images and called it the “apparent movement.”

However, the term “beta movement” was first coined by the American psychologist Joseph Jastrow in 1899, in his article “The Psychology of the Flip-Book.” Jastrow was one of the first researchers to systematically study the beta movement illusion and to describe the specific conditions under which it occurs.

In summary, While Ewald Hering was one of the first to describe the phenomenon of apparent movement, Joseph Jastrow was credited with coining the term “beta movement” and was one of the first researchers to systematically study the beta movement illusion.


References and Resources

In addition to the Boxes aren’t moving illusion, please check out our complete list of illusions.

Brocken Spectre Illusion

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Broken 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.

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


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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Uncle Sam Illusion

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Uncle Sam Illusion

The Uncle Sam illusion is a type of optical illusion in which the eyes and finger of the famous picture appear to follow the viewer. This illusion is sometimes referred to as the “following eyes” or “gaze following” illusion.

Try turning your screen to the left or the right and watch Uncle Sam keep his eyes and finger pointed directly toward you.

Uncle Sam Illusion
Uncle Sam Illusion


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What is the Uncle Sam Illusion?

The Uncle Sam illusion is a type of optical illusion in which the eyes and finger of the famous portrait appear to follow the viewer as they move around. This illusion is sometimes referred to as the “following eyes” or “gaze following” illusion.

How does the Uncle Sam Illusion Work?

The following gaze illusion, also known as the gaze-cuing effect, is a phenomenon in which the gaze direction of a person in an image or video can influence the direction of another person’s gaze. In other words, if a person in an image or video is shown looking in a particular direction, it can cause the viewer to look in the same direction.

The following gaze illusion occurs because humans are naturally attracted to faces and eyes, and tend to follow the gaze of other people. When a person in an image or video is shown looking in a particular direction, it can activate the viewer’s mirror neuron system, which is responsible for imitation and social learning. This can cause the viewer to automatically follow the gaze of the person in the image or video, even if they are aware that it is just an illusion.

The following gaze illusion has been studied by researchers in the fields of psychology and neuroscience, and has been shown to have a strong effect on human perception and behavior. For example, it has been found that people are more likely to respond faster to a target that appears in the same direction as the gaze of a person in an image or video, even if the gaze direction is irrelevant to the task at hand. The following gaze illusion has also been used in marketing and advertising, where it has been shown to be an effective way to direct a viewer’s attention towards a particular product or message.


The Uncle Sam Illusion and the Mona Lisa

The Mona Lisa illusion is created by a combination of several factors, including the angle of the subject’s head, the position of the viewer, and the way in which the painting was composed.

One of the main factors contributing to the illusion is the angle of the subject’s head. The woman in the painting is shown in a three-quarter view, which means that she is turned slightly to the left, but still facing the viewer. This creates an impression of depth and perspective in the painting, and gives the impression that the woman is looking at the viewer.

Another factor contributing to the illusion is the composition of the painting itself. The woman in the painting is positioned in the center of the canvas, with her head and shoulders framed by a landscape in the background. This creates a sense of balance and symmetry in the painting, and draws the viewer’s attention to the woman’s face and eyes.

The painting also features a technique called sfumato, which creates a subtle blurring effect around the edges of the woman’s face and features. This creates a soft, dreamlike quality to the painting, and enhances the illusion of movement and animation.

Finally, the positioning of the eyes and gaze of the woman in the painting is key to creating the illusion. The woman’s eyes are slightly turned to the viewer’s right, and her gaze is directed at the viewer, giving the impression that she is looking directly at the viewer. The subtle shading and positioning of the iris and pupil also contribute to the illusion, giving the impression that the eyes are following the viewer as they move around the painting.

Discovery of the Uncle Sam Illusion

The Uncle Sam Illusion and other following gaze illusions have been studied by many researchers in the fields of psychology and neuroscience over the years, and it is difficult to attribute its discovery to a single person. However, there have been several influential studies that have contributed to our understanding of the phenomenon.

One of the earliest studies on the following gaze illusion was conducted by psychologist Robert Zajonc in 1965. In this study, participants were shown photographs of faces looking either to the left or the right, and were asked to rate their liking for each face. Zajonc found that participants tended to rate the faces looking to the right more positively than those looking to the left, suggesting that the direction of gaze can have a subtle but powerful effect on human perception and behavior.

Since then, many other researchers have conducted studies on the following gaze illusion, and have contributed to our understanding of how it works and why it is so powerful. Some of the most influential studies in this area have been conducted by researchers such as Michael Posner, Robert W. Proctor, and David Perrett, among others.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Black and White Illusory Motion

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Black and White Illusory Motion

Check our these cool Black and White Illusory Motion designs. Stare at the designs and you’ll start to see them move even though they 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.

Black and White Illusory Motion
Black and White Illusory Motion
Black and White Illusory Motion
Black and White Illusory Motion


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What is Black and White 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 Black and White 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 Black and White 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 Colorful Illusory Motion illusions.

Ambiguous Walk Illusion

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Ambiguous Walk Illusion

This “Ambiguous Walk” combines elements of Ambiguous illusions and Rorschach Inkblots to create a cool illusion.

Ambiguous Walk
Ambiguous Walk Illusion


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What is the Ambiguous Walk Illusion?

The Ambiguous Walk Illusion combines elements of Ambiguous illusions and Rorschach Inkblots to create a cool illusion.

Ambiguous illusions are a type of optical illusion that can be perceived in more than one way. They present conflicting information to the brain, making it difficult to determine the true nature of the image. The brain tries to resolve the ambiguity by switching between the different possible interpretations of the image.

Ambiguous illusions can be created using a variety of techniques, such as manipulating contrast, color, and shading, or by using patterns and shapes that can be perceived in different ways. Some of the most well-known examples of ambiguous illusions include the Necker cube, the Rubin vase, and the duck-rabbit illusion.

One of the reasons why ambiguous illusions are so fascinating is that they challenge our understanding of perception and the ways in which the brain processes visual information. They show that our perceptions are not always a direct reflection of the physical world around us, but rather are shaped by our previous experiences and expectations.

Ambiguous illusions are also a useful tool for studying perception and the workings of the visual system. By studying how people perceive ambiguous images, researchers can gain insights into the mechanisms of visual perception and the ways in which the brain processes complex visual information.

How does the Ambiguous Walk Illusion Work?


The Ambiguous Walk Illusion is an Ambiguous illusion which works by presenting the brain with conflicting information that can be interpreted in more than one way. The brain tries to make sense of this conflicting information by switching between the different possible interpretations of the image.

This process of switching between different interpretations is known as multistable perception. It occurs because the brain cannot definitively determine the true nature of the image based on the information it receives. Instead, it must rely on other cues, such as context, past experience, and expectations, to resolve the ambiguity.

One of the key factors that contributes to the perception of ambiguous illusions is the fact that the brain processes visual information in a hierarchical manner. Information is processed first at the level of individual visual features, such as edges and angles, before being integrated into more complex representations of objects and scenes.

Ambiguous illusions take advantage of this hierarchical processing by presenting conflicting information at different levels of the visual system. This makes it difficult for the brain to determine the true nature of the image and can lead to perceptual switching and multistable perception.

The exact mechanisms underlying ambiguous illusions are still the subject of ongoing research, but they are thought to involve a combination of neural adaptation, attentional shifts, and context-dependent processing. By studying ambiguous illusions, researchers can gain insights into the workings of the visual system and the complex interplay between perception, cognition, and the environment.

Discovery of the Ambiguous Illusions

The Ambiguous Walk Illusion is an ambiguous illusion which have been known for centuries, and many different individuals have contributed to their discovery and study. However, it is difficult to credit any one individual with their discovery, as many different types of ambiguous illusions have been identified over the years, and their study has involved the work of many researchers from a variety of fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and visual arts.

Some of the earliest known examples of ambiguous illusions date back to ancient Greece, where artists such as Zeuxis and Parrhasius were known for creating paintings that could be interpreted in different ways. In the modern era, researchers such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Joseph Plateau, and Ernst Mach made significant contributions to the study of ambiguous illusions, laying the groundwork for later work in psychology and neuroscience.

Today, ambiguous illusions continue 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 these fascinating visual phenomena.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Cool Troxler’s Fading Illusion

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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.

Cool Troxler's Fading Illusion
Cool Troxler’s Fading Illusion


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What is the Cool Troxler’s Fading Illusion?

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.

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.

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.

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

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Pyramid of Giza Illusion

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Giza Pyramid Illusion

In the Great Pyramid of Giza illusion, when viewing the Great Pyramid from above, the illusion can occur where, the pyramid can appear to be a hollow column or tower, rather than a solid pyramid.

The first view is from directly above the Great Pyramid of Giza. The second from another pyramid shape which, when viewed from the side, can appear like a hollow column.

Giza Pyramid Illusion
Pyramid of Giza Illusion
Pyramid Illusion
Pyramid or Hollow Column?


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What is the Pyramid of Giza Illusion?

This illusion occurs when a concave or inwardly curved object, such as a mask or a pyramid, is viewed from a certain angle, causing the brain to interpret it as a convex or outwardly curved object.

In the case of a pyramid, this illusion can occur when the pyramid is viewed from a certain angle that makes the base of the pyramid appear smaller than the top. When viewed from this angle, the pyramid can appear to be a hollow column or tower, rather than a solid pyramid.

How does the Pyramid of Giza Illusion Work?


The pyramid of Giza Illusion works in a similar way to the traditional hollow-face illusion, where a concave or inwardly curved object, such as a mask or a pyramid, appears to be convex or outwardly curved when viewed from a certain angle.

In the case of the pyramid illusion, when the pyramid is viewed from a certain angle that makes the base of the pyramid appear smaller than the top, the brain perceives the pyramid as being a hollow column or tower instead of a solid pyramid. This occurs because the brain is interpreting the pyramid based on the visual cues and perspective it is receiving.

When viewing the pyramid from this angle, the brain assumes that the lines of the pyramid converge to form the apex, as would be the case with a solid pyramid. However, since the base appears smaller than the top, the brain interprets this as the pyramid being hollow, as if it were an open column or tower.

This illusion is a good example of how our brain relies on visual cues and context to interpret the world around us, and how our perception can be influenced by the angle and perspective from which we view an object.

Discovery of the Pyramid of Giza Illusion

No one specific person who discovered the pyramid of Giza illusion, but it’s extremely similar to the hollow faced illusion which was first described by the psychologist James J. Gibson in the 1930s. He was one of the first scientists to study the phenomenon and provide a detailed description of the illusion and its underlying mechanisms. In his work, Gibson emphasized the importance of the visual information that the eyes receive from the environment in shaping our perception of the world, and he suggested that the hollow face illusion was an example of how the brain uses this information to construct a 3D representation of the world.

Gibson’s work on the hollow face illusion was influential in the development of the ecological theory of perception, which argues that perception is not solely determined by the properties of objects themselves, but is also shaped by the context in which they are encountered and the information available in the environment. His contributions to the study of the hollow face illusion and the broader field of perception and cognitive psychology continue to be widely recognized and referenced in the field today.

Pyramid of Giza Illusion – The Hollow Faced Illusion

The hollow face illusion is a type of optical illusion where a concave mask appears as if it is a convex object.

When a person views a hollow mask from the front, the features on the surface of the mask appear to be bulging out, even though they are actually recessed.

This illusion is created by the brain’s interpretation of the visual information it receives from the eyes. The brain uses previous experiences and knowledge to make assumptions about the shape and position of objects in a scene, and in the case of the hollow face illusion, these assumptions lead to a misinterpretation of the actual shape of the mask.

Hollow Faced
Hollow Faced Illusion
From Wikimedia Commons


Pyramid of Giza Illusion – Similar to the Crater Illusion

The Pryamid of Giza illusion is also similar to the Crater Illusion. The crater illusion is an optical illusion that occurs when looking at a flat image of a crater on a two-dimensional surface, such as a photograph or drawing. The illusion creates the impression that the crater is a raised, three-dimensional object with a convex shape, when in fact it is a depressed area.

This illusion is created due to the way our brains interpret light and shadow on the image of the crater. The brain perceives the light areas on the edge of the crater as raised, while the dark areas in the center of the crater are interpreted as shadows. This creates the impression that the crater is a raised object with a convex shape, rather than a depressed area.

The crater illusion is an interesting example of how our brains use visual cues and information to interpret the world around us, and how these interpretations can sometimes be misleading or incorrect. It is also a reminder of the limitations of our senses and our need to be mindful of the ways in which our perceptions can be influenced by external factors.

Crater Illusion

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Tennis Ball Illusion

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Tennis Ball Illusion

This is the Tennis Ball Illusion. It’s also known as the “curvature blindness illusion”.

You have to check out this video. The balls are all moving in a straight line.

If you are interested in learning how it works, scroll down after watching the video.


Table of Contents

What is the Tennis Ball Illusion?

In the Tennis Ball illusion, a series of balls or other objects appears to be moving in a straight line, but in fact, they are following a curved path. The illusion is created by manipulating the position and spacing of the balls, so that they create a series of curves that the eye has difficulty perceiving.

The curvature blindness illusion is thought to be related to the way that the visual system processes information about motion and curvature. The brain tends to interpret motion along the shortest possible path, or “geodesic,” between two points. However, when the spacing and arrangement of the objects is carefully manipulated, the geodesic path appears to be a curve, rather than a straight line.

The curvature blindness illusion is a striking example of how our visual system can be fooled into perceiving something that is not actually there. It also highlights the complex and often counterintuitive ways in which the brain processes visual information.

How does the Tennis Ball Illusion Work?


The “curvature blindness illusion” or the “tennis ball illusion” works by exploiting the way that the visual system processes information about motion and curvature.

When we see a series of objects moving, our brains tend to interpret the motion as happening along the shortest possible path, or “geodesic,” between two points. However, when the spacing and arrangement of the objects is carefully manipulated, the geodesic path appears to be a curve, rather than a straight line.

In the case of the tennis ball illusion, the balls are spaced and arranged in such a way that they create a series of curves, even though they are actually moving in a straight line. The arrangement of the balls is designed to be subtle enough that the eye has difficulty perceiving the curvature, but strong enough to create a convincing illusion of a curved path.

One theory behind the tennis ball illusion is that it is related to the way that the visual system processes information about edges and boundaries. When two objects are close together, they create a strong boundary that the visual system interprets as a curve. By carefully manipulating the spacing and arrangement of the objects, the illusionist can create a series of boundaries that suggest a curved path, even though the objects themselves are moving in a straight line.

The tennis ball illusion is a fascinating example of how our brains can be fooled by subtle visual cues. It also highlights the complexity of visual perception and the ways in which the brain processes information about motion, shape, and spatial relationships.

Discovery of the Tennis Ball Illusion

The tennis ball illusion is a relatively recent discovery and it is not attributed to a single individual. The illusion was first described in a scientific paper in 2005 by researchers Peter Thompson and Kyriaki Mikellidou at the University of York in the United Kingdom. However, it is possible that other researchers or illusionists may have discovered the phenomenon independently around the same time or earlier.

Since its discovery, the tennis ball illusion has become a popular topic of study among researchers interested in visual perception and cognition. It has also been featured in numerous public demonstrations and exhibitions, showcasing the ways in which our visual system can be fooled and deceived by subtle cues and manipulations.

Similar Illusions

There are many other visual illusions that are similar to the tennis ball illusion in that they involve manipulating visual cues to create misleading or counterintuitive perceptions. Here are a few examples:

The Müller-Lyer illusion: This classic illusion involves two lines with arrowheads at either end. One line appears longer than the other, even though they are actually the same length.

The Ponzo illusion: This illusion involves two horizontal lines of equal length that are superimposed on a set of converging diagonal lines. The top line appears longer than the bottom line, even though they are actually the same length.

The Ebbinghaus illusion: In this illusion, two circles are surrounded by circles of varying sizes. One circle appears larger than the other, even though they are actually the same size.

The motion aftereffect: This illusion involves staring at a moving object for a period of time and then looking at a stationary object. The stationary object appears to be moving in the opposite direction.

The color assimilation grid illusion: This illusion involves a grid of colored squares, where the colors of the squares appear to be influenced by the colors of the squares around them.

These illusions, along with many others, demonstrate the complex and often surprising ways in which the brain processes visual information. They have fascinated researchers and laypeople alike for centuries, and continue to inspire new insights into the nature of perception and cognition.


References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Tennis Ball Illusion

Purple Peripheral Drift

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Purple Peripheral Drift Illusion

This Purple Peripheral Drift illusion is an optical illusion that is characterized by the appearance of a spiral pattern made up of concentric circles. This version is very similar to one called Primrose Field.

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.

Purple Peripheral Drift Illusion
Purple Peripheral Drift Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Purple Peripheral Drift Illusion?

The peripheral drift illusion is a visual illusion that involves the perception of movement or rotation in stationary objects or patterns located in the peripheral vision.

The illusion typically involves a pattern of parallel lines or concentric circles that appear to be rotating or moving, even though they are actually stationary. This effect is thought to be caused by the way that the visual system processes information from the peripheral vision, which tends to be less precise and more sensitive to motion than the central vision.

One theory behind the peripheral drift illusion is that it is caused by interactions between the neurons in the visual cortex, which respond to different orientations and directions of motion. When these neurons are activated in a specific pattern, they can create the illusion of movement or rotation even in stationary objects.

The peripheral drift illusion is a fascinating example of how the brain can create illusions and distortions in our perception of the world around us. It is also a useful tool for studying the neural mechanisms that underlie visual perception and processing.

How does the Purple Peripheral Drift Illusion Work?

The peripheral drift illusion works by exploiting the way that the visual system processes information from the peripheral vision. The peripheral vision tends to be less precise and more sensitive to motion than the central vision, which means that it can be easily fooled into perceiving motion or rotation in stationary objects.

One way to create a peripheral drift illusion is to use a pattern of parallel lines or concentric circles. These patterns are known to activate specific neurons in the visual cortex that are sensitive to orientation and direction of motion. When these neurons are activated in a specific pattern, they can create the illusion of motion or rotation in the peripheral vision.

Another way to create a peripheral drift illusion is to use a technique called “contrast modulation.” This involves changing the contrast of different parts of a visual stimulus in a rhythmic pattern. This can create the impression of movement or rotation, even though the stimulus itself is stationary.

The exact neural mechanisms that underlie the peripheral drift illusion are still not fully understood. However, it is thought to involve interactions between different populations of neurons in the visual cortex, as well as feedback from higher brain regions that help to integrate visual information from different parts of the visual field.

Discovery of the Purple Peripheral Drift Illusion

It is not clear who first discovered peripheral drift illusions. 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.

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.

It is likely that peripheral drift illusions were discovered by multiple individuals independently


The Very Similar Primrose Field Illusion

Primrose Field by Kitaoka AkiyoshiIn is a peripheral drift illusion where 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 illusions are interesting to study because they can reveal how the visual system processes information and can help us understand the underlying neural mechanisms of visual perception.

Primrose-Field-by-Kitaoka-Akiyoshi
Primrose Field
Purple Peripheral Drift Illusion

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.