Super Cool Illusory Motion

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This Super Cool Illusory Motion example is not a GIF. It is a completely static image.

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 in learning more, scroll down to read more about it.

Also check out these cool examples of illusory motion: Amazing Colorful Illusory Motion and Black and White Illusory Motion and Fun Circles Illusory Motion and Illusory Motion

Illusory Motion


Table of Contents

What is Illusory Motion?

Illusory motion is a type of optical illusion in which stationary images or patterns appear to be moving. This can occur in a variety of ways, such as through the use of patterns with alternating colors or shapes that create the illusion of motion, or by presenting a series of static images in rapid succession to create the perception of motion.

One well-known example of an illusory motion effect is the “rotating snakes” illusion, in which a series of static black-and-white shapes appear to be rotating in a continuous, fluid motion. This illusion is created by using patterns with specific shapes and contrasts that stimulate the brain’s motion-sensitive neurons and create the perception of movement, even though the image itself is not actually moving.

Other examples of illusory motion include the “scintillating grid” illusion, in which the intersections of a grid pattern appear to be flashing or moving, and the “phi phenomenon,” in which a series of static lights flashing in sequence create the illusion of motion.

Illusory motion can be a fascinating and captivating experience, and it has been the subject of much research in the fields of visual perception and neuroscience. Scientists continue to study the underlying mechanisms of illusory motion and other visual illusions in order to better understand how the brain processes visual information and creates our subjective experience of the world around us.

How does Illusory Motion Work?

Illusory motion is caused by the brain’s interpretation of visual information that is presented in a particular way. Different illusory motion effects may be created by different types of visual stimuli, but they all involve the brain perceiving motion where there is none.

One explanation for illusory motion is that it is caused by the brain’s motion-sensitive neurons responding to certain visual patterns or stimuli in a way that creates the perception of motion. These neurons, located in an area of the brain called the visual cortex, are responsible for processing information about motion and spatial relationships in the visual field. When presented with certain visual patterns or stimuli, these neurons can become activated in a way that creates the illusion of motion.

Another explanation is that illusory motion is a result of the brain’s tendency to fill in missing information in order to create a complete and coherent visual scene. When presented with incomplete or ambiguous visual information, the brain may “fill in the gaps” in a way that creates the perception of motion or movement.

In either case, illusory motion is a result of the brain’s complex processing of visual information, and it is influenced by a variety of factors, including the properties of the visual stimuli, the context in which they are presented, and individual differences in perception and interpretation.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many different illusory motion illusions, each created by specific patterns or stimuli that trick the brain into perceiving motion where there is none. Here are some examples of illusory motion illusions:

  1. Rotating snakes illusion: This illusion consists of a pattern of overlapping circles and curves that create the perception of continuous motion, as if the image is rotating in a circular motion.
  2. Motion aftereffect illusion: This illusion occurs when a person views a moving stimulus for a prolonged period of time, and then looks at a stationary object. The stationary object will appear to be moving in the opposite direction of the original stimulus.
  3. Autokinetic effect: This illusion occurs when a stationary point of light is viewed in a dark room for a prolonged period of time. The light will appear to move or “drift” even though it is stationary.
  4. Peripheral drift illusion: This illusion consists of a pattern of intersecting circles and lines that create the perception of motion at the periphery of the visual field.
  5. Barber pole illusion: This illusion consists of a rotating spiral pattern of alternating red and white stripes, which create the perception of upward motion even though the pattern itself is rotating.
  6. Wagon wheel illusion: This illusion occurs when a wheel appears to be rotating in the opposite direction of its true motion, due to the interaction between the frequency of the spokes and the frame rate of the video camera.

These are just a few examples of the many illusory motion effects that have been discovered and studied by researchers in the field of visual perception. Each of these illusions demonstrates the brain’s remarkable ability to create the perception of motion and movement, even in the absence of actual movement.

Discovery of the Illusory Motion

Illusory motion has been known and studied by scientists and artists for centuries, but it is difficult to attribute its discovery or popularization to any single individual or group. The use of visual patterns and stimuli to create the illusion of motion has been explored in various forms of art, such as Op Art and Kinetic Art, and in scientific research on visual perception and neuroscience.

One of the earliest recorded examples of an illusory motion effect is the Zoetrope, a pre-cinematic device invented in the early 19th century that uses a sequence of static images to create the illusion of motion. Other early examples of illusory motion effects can be found in ancient Greek and Roman art, such as the use of mosaic patterns to create the impression of motion and depth.

In more recent times, scientists and artists have continued to explore and experiment with the use of visual illusions to create the perception of motion. Artists such as Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely are known for their use of geometric patterns and shapes to create illusory motion effects, while scientists have used illusory motion as a tool for studying the brain’s processing of visual information.

Overall, illusory motion is a phenomenon that has been studied and appreciated by many different people throughout history, and it continues to inspire new forms of artistic and scientific exploration.


References and Resources Illusory Motion

In addition to this supercool Illusory Motion example, check out our complete list of illusions.