# What the heck am I seeing here? \[optical illusion\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 29, 2013, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210 "2013-06-29T16:28:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![shijinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@shijinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shijinn)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/21 "2013-06-30T11:10:14Z")
two of my favourites are the chessboard, as mentioned, and the dragon statue where its head seems to follow you - [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKeuhXQj3MM](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKeuhXQj3MM) does anyone know French? in the globe illusion video, what did the guy say in the 4th second? he sounds like he just threw up a bit. [http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xjmlwe\_vous-etes-ailleurs-ou-a-l-hotel-de-ville\_creation](http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xjmlwe_vous-etes-ailleurs-ou-a-l-hotel-de-ville_creation) ---
**Author:** ![Keeve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/22 "2013-06-30T12:34:23Z")
> [@randwill](#): > > Okay, while we’re at it, I can figure out all but one of these: > > [http://now.msn.com/double-take-photo-gallery-makes-you-look-again](http://now.msn.com/double-take-photo-gallery-makes-you-look-again) My question is on #8. The article says it is not a shadow. To me, it certainly looks like the boat is in extremely clear water, and we see the shadow cast on the bottom of the lake. And that the illusion is that it LOOKS like the boat is suspended midair, with the shadow being cast on the surface of the water. Either way, there IS a shadow here. So what am I seeing wrong? ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/23 "2013-06-30T13:02:12Z")
> [@shijinn](#): > > … the dragon statue where its head seems to follow you … Binary Arts’ Andrus/Gardner dragon in [JPEG](http://www.curiouser.co.uk/illusions/dragon/dragon.jpg) [and](http://www.curiouser.co.uk/illusions/dragon/) [PDF](http://www.curiouser.co.uk/illusions/dragon/dragon.pdf). CMC fnord! ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/24 "2013-06-30T14:07:49Z")
> [@Keeve](#): > > My question is on #8. The article says it is not a shadow. To me, it certainly looks like the boat is in extremely clear water, and we see the shadow cast on the bottom of the lake. And that the illusion is that it LOOKS like the boat is suspended midair, with the shadow being cast on the surface of the water. Either way, there IS a shadow here. So what am I seeing wrong? You’re right and the article is incorrect. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/25 "2013-06-30T14:29:00Z")
> [@ZenBeam](#): > > You’re right and the article is incorrect. It doesn’t look like a shadow to me, but some sort of sea creature swimming under. At any rate, the “shadow” doesn’t look to be the same shape as the boat. ETA: Actually, on second thought, I think it is a shadow, but the sea creature is a possible explanation if the article is correct. ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/26 "2013-06-30T15:00:02Z")
Here are a [couple](http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Greece/Thessaly/Magnisia/Skiathos/photo1217667.htm) other [similar](http://www.ebaumsworld.com/pictures/view/272887/) images, and a [higher resolution version](http://api.ning.com/files/JN-Mc3bbxL9E-wRSDkdpPbPpKUk1xFJR7Z2fsPEHlD8KM6TSGVQXo57s2s81qId6zSwRZ*5saO0Ko*4yhNj6-T7Z1wTVQvYN/FloatingBoat.jpeg) of the one we’re talking about. It has the same overall length of the boat, and has the shadow from cabin/overhang on the boat. It also looks to be in the right place, consistent with other shadows, as far as I can tell. ---
**Author:** ![randwill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a3d4f5/32.png) [@randwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randwill)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/27 "2013-06-30T15:05:03Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > It doesn’t look like a shadow to me, but some sort of sea creature swimming under. At any rate, the “shadow” doesn’t look to be the same shape as the boat. > > ETA: Actually, on second thought, I think it is a shadow, but the sea creature is a possible explanation if the article is correct. When I first saw this one I immediately assumed there was a whale (or something) swimming under the boat. The dragon with the moving head is a wonderful papercraft. I made one many years ago and it still sits on a shelf just above my monitor. I still like to amuse myself by watching its head follow me around. If you’ve never experienced this for real (as opposed to a YouTube video) you should print one out (the link from crowmanyclouds post, above) and construct it. You’ll thank me later. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/28 "2013-06-30T15:22:31Z")
> [@ZenBeam](#): > > Here are a [couple](http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Greece/Thessaly/Magnisia/Skiathos/photo1217667.htm) other [similar](http://www.ebaumsworld.com/pictures/view/272887/) images, and a [higher resolution version](http://api.ning.com/files/JN-Mc3bbxL9E-wRSDkdpPbPpKUk1xFJR7Z2fsPEHlD8KM6TSGVQXo57s2s81qId6zSwRZ*5saO0Ko*4yhNj6-T7Z1wTVQvYN/FloatingBoat.jpeg) of the one we’re talking about. It has the same overall length of the boat, and has the shadow from cabin/overhang on the boat. It also looks to be in the right place, consistent with other shadows, as far as I can tell. I do agree. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/29 "2013-06-30T15:32:40Z")
[The house in London that is a 3D illusion](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23041236). It’s the creation of artist [Leandro Erlich](http://www.leandroerlich.com.ar/). ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/30 "2013-06-30T15:41:42Z")
> [@randwill](#): > > Okay, while we’re at it, I can figure out all but one of these: > > [http://now.msn.com/double-take-photo-gallery-makes-you-look-again](http://now.msn.com/double-take-photo-gallery-makes-you-look-again) > > The caption says that number 12 is _not_ a lake. So what is it? Very smooth dirt? Asphalt? Salt flats? My question was going to be #18, but I think I figured it out. They threw me because I was looking for an optical illusion. Plus it’s not very good. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/31 "2013-06-30T15:45:06Z")
> [@randwill](#): > > … If you’ve never experienced this for real (as opposed to a YouTube video) you should print one out (the link from crowmanyclouds post, above) and construct it. You’ll thank me later. I knew there was more than one color, sift through and you’ll find all(?) four colors; red, blue, green, and gold and a [coati](http://followingillusions.weebly.com/uploads/9/7/6/5/976549/6494763_orig.jpg). All based on Andrus’ [Paradox Box](http://image1.frequency.com/uri/w234_h132_ctrim_ll/_/item/7/1/2/4/Jerry_Andrus_Paradox_Box_Illusion_71249300_thumbnail.jpg). CMC fnord! ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/32 "2013-06-30T15:56:28Z")
[The link would help.](https://www.google.com/search?um=1&newwindow=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&q=jerry+andrus+dragon+illusion&spell=1&sa=X&ei=3U7QUYLcKcnC4APlmYHADw&ved=0CFAQBSgA&biw=1024&bih=604#imgdii=_) ---
**Author:** ![AaronX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7bcc69/32.png) [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2013, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/33 "2013-07-01T02:14:55Z")
This one is nice: [http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7583044502\_45799ebc43\_b.jpg](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7583044502_45799ebc43_b.jpg) see if you can figure out what’s going on yourself. ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2013, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/34 "2013-07-01T02:35:03Z")
> [@AaronX](#): > > This one is nice: [http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7583044502\_45799ebc43\_b.jpg](http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7583044502_45799ebc43_b.jpg) see if you can figure out what’s going on yourself. Looks to me like a diorama with a hole or gash in the backdrop. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2013, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/35 "2013-07-01T03:00:17Z")
> [@TreacherousCretin](#): > > Looks to me like a diorama with a hole or gash in the backdrop. If you wanna know, here it is: The “sky” part of the image is a reflection in water. In other words, the angle of the photo is downward towards the foxes, and that rock is jutting out of the water, instead of what looks like to be a photo taken pointing upwards towards the subject, with the sky in the background. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2013, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/36 "2013-07-01T03:50:21Z")
Well, they’re awfully cute foxes in any case. I want one. Re: The boat that looks like it’s levitating: I think the “shadow” is some underwater formation, like a big rock covered with seaweed or something. The “shadow” knows. ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2013, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/37 "2013-07-01T04:12:03Z")
There are other pieces of art called perspective sculptures. > **[The most comprehensive innovation search platform — Wellspring](https://search.wellspringsoftware.net)** > > Aggregating the world's patents, patent applications, research grants, technology and inventors allowing universities and companies to showcase and share influential technologies and research. [http://frozenly.com/2010/05/perspective-sculptures/](http://frozenly.com/2010/05/perspective-sculptures/) ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2013, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/38 "2013-07-01T04:23:33Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > If you wanna know, here it is: > > The “sky” part of the image is a reflection in water. In other words, the angle of the photo is downward towards the foxes, and that rock is jutting out of the water, instead of what looks like to be a photo taken pointing upwards towards the subject, with the sky in the background. I’m more impressed by how the angle of the camera made two foxes look like raccoons. The illusion is uncanny. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2013, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/39 "2013-07-01T09:02:26Z")
> [@randwill](#): > > Okay, while we’re at it, I can figure out all but one of these: > > [http://now.msn.com/double-take-photo-gallery-makes-you-look-again](http://now.msn.com/double-take-photo-gallery-makes-you-look-again) > > The caption says that number 12 is _not_ a lake. So what is it? Very smooth dirt? Asphalt? Salt flats? You’re looking through an aquarium (with plants rising above the water) placed in front of a window with a mountain view - notice the water color in the foreground ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2013, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210/40 "2013-07-01T10:15:09Z")
> [@usedtobe](#): > > You’re looking through an aquarium (with plants rising above the water) placed in front of a window with a mountain view - notice the water color in the foreground No. As has already been pointed out, it’s a long whitish (stucco?) wall, in the foreground, just behind the plants. The “shoreline on the far side” is the sunlight hitting the top of the wall, and the side of the wall facing the camera is in shadow, illuminated by brownish reflected light. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-am-i-seeing-here-optical-illusion/662210.md?page=3)