Hermann-Hering illusion
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Hermann-Hering illusion
Hermann grid illusion. The intersections of the white horizontal and vertical lines in this image appear to be grey. But when looked at directly they are clearly white. This is because of the role played by the edge of the retina. Our peripheral vision is designed to prioritise identifying shapes and edges. To this end the brightness of an image on the edge of the retina is diminished when it is not important to shape identification. At the intersections, a lot more of the area is white light compared to elsewhere on the lines, and there is an effect called lateral inhibition. The brightness is dimmed for this area, and we observe it as grey
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Media ID 6439933
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Ambiguity Ambiguous Grid Illusory Neuroscience Optical Illusion Perception Psychology Retina Squares Trick Trickery Vision Vision Visual Visual Trick
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intriguing Hermann-Hering illusion, also known as the Hermann grid illusion. At first glance, the intersections of the white horizontal and vertical lines appear to be a mysterious shade of grey. However, upon direct observation, it becomes clear that they are actually pure white. The explanation behind this optical phenomenon lies in the fascinating workings of our visual system. Our peripheral vision is specifically designed to prioritize identifying shapes and edges. As a result, when an image falls on the edge of our retina and is not crucial for shape identification, its brightness is diminished. In this particular illusion, more white light is present at the intersections compared to other areas along the lines. This triggers a remarkable effect called lateral inhibition where brightness is further dimmed within these regions. Consequently, we perceive them as being grey even though they are objectively white. This mesmerizing interplay between biology and perception highlights how our visual system can sometimes deceive us. The Hermann-Hering illusion serves as a reminder that what we see may not always align with reality due to intricate processes occurring within our retinas. Displayed by Science Photo Library, this thought-provoking image delves into both neuroscience and psychology while showcasing an illusory trickery that challenges our understanding of visual perception.
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