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Optical Illusion: Are these circles in motion or static?

An optical illusion shared on Twitter shows how rotating circles become static when you fix your gaze on any one of them.

Published on: Jul 04, 2023 01:18 PM IST
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Optical illusions have long fascinated people as they bridge the gap between reality and perception, leaving people wondering. From an optical illusion featuring colour-shifting circles to another showcasing overlapping lines, numerous optical illusions that play tricks on our eyes and mind are shared on social media. Recently, an optical illusion shared online has stirred up a storm of confusion. It also reminds people that things are sometimes different from what they appear.

What is this optical illusion about?

Optical illusion: The motion stops if you stare at any part of the image. (Akiyoshi Kitaoka)
Optical illusion: The motion stops if you stare at any part of the image. (Akiyoshi Kitaoka)

The optical illusion in question gives the impression that various regions of the image are in constant motion, despite the entire image being static in reality. The illusion features circles that seem in motion when you look away. However, the moment you fix your eyes on any one of the circles, the apparent motion comes to a halt.

Also Read| Optical Illusion: Are these lines straight or do they bend at an angle?

Who created the optical illusion?

The optical illusion is created by Akiyoshi Kitaoka, an experimental psychologist who creates and studies visual illusions, and is known as the Rotating Snakes illusion.

Did that optical illusion boggle you? Since being shared on June 27, the optical illusion has accumulated over 99,900 views and more than 400 likes. The share has also prompted many to leave their thoughts in the comments section.

Here’s how people reacted to the optical illusion:

A Twitter user expressed, “My eyes, stop it.” “Pinch the eyes for undoing the magic,” suggested another. A third commented, “This is a good test for the state of your nervous system: if you are excited about something, the snakes will rotate; if you are calm, they will be static.” “Not working when you just woke up,” wrote a fourth. What are your thoughts on this optical illusion?

Also Read| Optical illusion: Are these grey squares moving?

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Arfa Javaid

Arfa Javaid is a journalist working with the Hindustan Times' Delhi team. She covers trending topics, human interest stories, and viral content online.

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