Optical illusions are mind-bending illustrations that are usually created by using color, shading, or patterns to control the way your brain perceives an image. Different people can perceive different things from such illusionary images.
The field of psychoanalysis states that the way you see optical illusions can reveal your subconscious thoughts and desires. It might also shed some light on your psychological and cognitive abilities.
So, let’s look in detail at the optical illusion of rotating rings that appear to be rotating in a clockwise direction. However, it will come as a shock that the rings aren’t moving in a clockwise direction. Let’s see the theory and phenomena behind it.
Also Read: Can You Spot a Man’s Lost Wallet Hidden Inside a Restaurant in this Optical Illusion
Optical Illusion: Do You See the Rings Rotating Clockwise?
In this optical illusion, you will see the rings rotating in a clockwise direction. The rings are not moving in any direction. The illusion is created by using a phenomenon called reverse phi’. Under this phenomenon, the object appears to be moving at a constant pace. However, the illusory reversal of visual depth and movement during changes of contrast makes your brain believe that the rings are rotating in a particular direction. In reality, they are not changing their positions.
Reversed Phi 20 Strokes Optical Ilusion Phenomena
This illusion has been created in 20 strokes, as shown in the image given below:
The above 20 strokes are changing between different shades of rings and the background color, making it appear as if the rings are rotating in a clockwise direction. Our brains are constantly trying to interpret things that are happening around us by looking for patterns in everything that we see. 20 Strokes of Reversed Phi is an excellent example of how our brains can be manipulated.
Reversed Phi Frames Optical Ilusion Phenomena
The second reversed phi phenomenon created an illusion where it seemed that the rings were rotating in a clockwise direction. But in actuality, the rings are rotating in an anti-clockwise direction. This illusion has been created by using different frames moving at a constant pace. The whole illusion consists of 40 frames again, with different shades of ring in each frame.
Brain Teaser: Can you spot the Dinner Table picture?
How Does Reverse Phi Create Optical Illusion?
Reversed phi means the reverse motion that can be seen when there is continuous movement of a positive and a negative version of the same image in a fixed space at a constant pace. The reverse phi uses strokes or frames to make things appear to be in forward motion. The simultaneous change of contrast and motion direction makes your brain perceive reverse motion direction.
The effect created by reverse phi movement generates conflict in the minds of viewers as our motion detectors indicate continuous motion, but our brains indicate a reverse movement of the objects. This effect is also called the ‘Phenomenal Phenomena’.
So, basically, optical illusions are a fascinating phenomenon that plays with our brains, which leads to different perceptions. It works as a trick that deceives our motor sensors and vision, creating a different perception of the things that are moving around us. When our brain starts believing things that aren’t happening around us and our eyes start seeing things that are the result of the cues given by our mind, that leads to optical illusions. So, creating illusions that challenge our mind is quite a magical process and a beautiful piece of art that tells a lot about how our brain works.
