An optical illusion truly offers something for everyone. Whether you want to entertain a child, or wow a cynic, optical illusions can generally do the trick. In a sense, visual illusions are humbling. They are a gentle reminder of how powerful the mind is. They show you that your reality can be altered by a simple image.
An optical illusion can appear in many ways, shapes, and forms. These are classified differently and based on various causes. The three primary classifications of visual illusions are physical, physiological and cognitive. These are then broken down further into sub-genres. These include classifications such as ambiguities, distortions, paradoxes, and fiction.
An Example Of A Physical Optical Illusion
Physical optical illusions are driven by the environment or the location of the illusion. Meanwhile, physiological illusions happen within the individual observer’s mind. A classic example of a physical illusion is a boat at sea. Often, boats on the horizon appear to be balancing on the surface of the earth. This is created by a term known as Fata Morgana. What a Fata Morgana basically is, is a super mirage. In layman terms, the Fata Morgana is created when light bends through a layer of warm air. The distortion results in warped objects which appear to be floating just off of the horizon.
A Physiological Optical Illusion Explained
The best example of a physiological illusion is an MAE (motion aftereffects). This is a static image which creates the illusion of movement. MAE occur when the eyes and brain receive excessive stimulation. This is usually in the form of a highly repetitive image. The stimuli vary in the likes of color, positioning, shape, motion, form, brightness, length or width. The theory behind these illusions lies in the repetitive layout of the image. When focusing on one point of the image, your eyes will begin to detect movement. Even though no movement has occurred.
An optical illusion is enticing. It plays tricks on the mind, causing one to question their own reality. If you’re ready to be thrilled, take a look at a few great optical illusions below! Is the train going forward or backward?
Can’t see it? Look just a little longer and get the train to switch its path.
Source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/captivating-optical-illusion-gifs-that-will-make-your-brain#2dclu9p
You have the power…
Control the speed of this gif by doing nothing more than covering parts.
Source: http://giphy.com/gifs/optical-illusion-check-it-out-test-thing-oI0W8GaAI4pRC
Wait, but I – the block – it’s falling into itself…
Observe how the block never really stops falling.
Source: http://gifsound.com/?gif=https://i.imgur.com/5WOe7kS.jpg&v=FavUpD_IjVY
The grey bar is uniform in color…
Does the grey bar change in hue?
Source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/captivating-optical-illusion-gifs-that-will-make-your-brain#2dclu9p
Where did the empty block come from?
And voila! Out of nowhere, an empty blank box appears!
Source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/captivating-optical-illusion-gifs-that-will-make-your-brain#2dclu9p
Which directions are the two circles spinning?
Is it turning clockwise or counter-clockwise?
Source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/captivating-optical-illusion-gifs-that-will-make-your-brain#2dclu9p
Keep pointing at the road that looks different…
Which of these roads go on a different path?
Source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/captivating-optical-illusion-gifs-that-will-make-your-brain#2dclu9p
Just Plain Creepy.
Is this Charlie Chaplin or just an old man?
Source: http://en.viralnova.com/optical-illusion-gifs/
Traversing the Penrose Triangle…
How come the silver ball never falls?
Source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/kellyoakes/captivating-optical-illusion-gifs-that-will-make-your-brain#2dclu9p
How is that physically possible?
With a slight bend of the shape, it’s all in the mind.
Source: http://en.viralnova.com/optical-illusion-gifs/