Pulsed Spiral Rings Illusion
A geometric display of rotating dashed lines that creates rhythmic 'shimmering' pulses.
🧐 What do you see?▼
A series of circles made of dashed lines. Adjacent rings rotate in opposite directions. The rings also pulse in size, creating a "ripple" effect that moves across the pattern.
🧠 Why this works▼
This illusion utilizes Counter-Phase Motion. When two patterns move in opposite directions near each other (like these rings), the brain's motion detectors experience high-frequency interference.
The "shimmer" you see is a Moiré-like effect in time. The combination of the rotation (along the circumference) and the pulsing (radial) creates a multi-vector motion signal that is incredibly difficult for the eye to focus on, resulting in a "vibrating" static-yet-dynamic pattern.
🧪 Try variations▼
- High Speed: The shimmering becomes so fast it almost looks like solid, glowing rings.
- Low Intensity: Reduces the pulse, making the counter-rotation of the dashed lines more apparent and easier to track.
❓ FAQ▼
Why do the rings look like they are 'weaving'?
This is due to the dashed lines. As they move past each other, the gaps create a flickering sensation that the brain interprets as physical overlapping or weaving.