Continuous Rotation

This illusion uses Opposing Motion Signals. By rotating one ring clockwise and its neighbor counter-clockwise, we create a high degree of "motion shearing".

This shearing effect creates a strong separation between the rings, often making them appear to float on different depth planes (an effect called Structure-from-Motion).

Staring at this rotating pattern causes Neural Adaptation. Your neurons that detect "clockwise motion" get tired.

When you look away at a stationary object (like your hand or a wall), those tired neurons fire less than the "counter-clockwise" neurons. Your brain interprets this imbalance as the stationary object rotating in the opposite direction! This is famously known as the Waterfall Illusion.