Chapter 7 - Optical Illusions of Depth and of Distance

Distance Optical Illusion
Courtesy of Illusion-Optical.com

When any of the ordinary criteria of relief or of distance are apparently modified, optical illusions of depth and distance are possible. There are many illusions of this sort, such as the looming of objects in a fog; the apparent enlargement of the sun and moon near the horizon; the flattening of the "vault" of the sky; the intaglio seen as relief; the alteration of relief with lighting; and various changes in the landscape when regarded with the head inverted.

Certain data pertaining to the objects viewed must be assumed, and if the assumptions are incorrect, illusions will result.

An increase in the brightness of an object is accompanied by an apparent movement toward the observer, and conversely a decrease in brightness produces an apparent movement in the opposite direction.

H. A. Carr's report on optical illusions of distance, motion and movement is discussed.

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Optical Illusions of Depth and of Distance Optical illusions of depth and of distance.

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