Scintillating Grid
A high-intensity evolution of the Hermann grid. Watch the dots blink as you move your eyes.
🧐 What do you see?▼
Scan your eyes across the grid. At the intersections where the white orbs reside, you will see dark spots or "scintillating" flashes that appear and disappear rapidly.
If you stare fixedly at one white dot, it will remain white. But the ones in your peripheral vision will seem to blink black or gray.
🧠 Why this works▼
Discovered in 1994, this is a variation of the Hermann Grid but significantly more powerful. It is believed to be caused by spatial competition between on-center and off-center retinal ganglion cells.
In the periphery, your visual resolution is lower. The white disk is "processed" by larger receptive fields that are influenced by the surrounding black squares. The interaction creates a temporary "mismatch" that your brain resolves as a dark flash, particularly when your eyes are in motion (saccades).
🧪 Try variations▼
- Vary Intensity: Use the Intensity slider to change the size of the white orbs. Smaller orbs often scintilate more aggressively.
- Tilt your head: The effect often persists regardless of orientation, showing it's a retinal/low-level cortical process.
❓ FAQ▼
Why is it called "Scintillating"?
It comes from the Latin word "scintilla," meaning a spark. The dots appear to spark or flicker like distant stars.