The photo of an egret, in the water, stuck between what seems to be day and night has intrigued many Internet users.
"It's not possible, it's a trick." However, no. In April, a post on the “Confusing Perspectives” page posted on the American social network Reddit questioned users. Many Internet users do not want to believe that this photo of an egret in a swamp is real.
For good reason, the image is curious. It is as if cut in two : a yellow part, very sunny, and another darker one with bluish tints. In the center, we have the impression that the background is cut strictly in two, and that the bird is simply posed in the foreground. Everything suggests that this is a montage, or perhaps an image created by an artificial intelligence.
Featured in a photo contest in Japan
However, the image called “Gap” was taken by Japanese photographer Kenichi Ohno. It even received a prize in the Nature in Japan photo competition organized by the Japanese Association of Photographic Societies (AJAPS).
Explanation of the illusion
In fact, the upper right part is a sand-colored wall whose reflection is found in the water at the lower right. The blue zone is none other than the water of the swamp. AJAPS managed to find an image of the place taken from another point of view. The animal is not there, but it helps to better imagine how Kenichi Ohno was able to take his shot.
To help you understand better, the second illustration represent a small montage that cut the image into three areas.
how do optical illusions work on the brain ?
Optical illusions work on the brain by exploiting the way our visual system processes and interprets information. Here's how they work :
Perception and interpretation : When we look at an optical illusion, our brain tries to make sense of the visual information it receives. It interprets the image based on our past experiences, knowledge, and expectations. However, optical illusions often present conflicting or ambiguous information that challenges our brain's usual interpretation processes.
Sensory input : Our eyes gather sensory input from the environment, which is then transmitted to the brain through the optic nerves. The brain receives this information and processes it to create our perception of the world. However, optical illusions can manipulate the sensory input by using elements like color, light, patterns, and perspective to create misleading or contradictory signals.
Brain processing : The brain processes visual information in different areas, including the primary visual cortex located at the back of the brain. This area is responsible for analyzing and interpreting visual stimuli. Optical illusions can exploit the way these areas process information, causing them to misinterpret or distort the image.
Cognitive biases : Optical illusions can also tap into cognitive biases and heuristics that our brain relies on to make quick judgments and interpretations. These biases can influence our perception and lead us to see things that are not actually there or misjudge the size, shape, or color of objects.
Neural mechanisms : Optical illusions can involve various neural mechanisms, such as lateral retinal inhibition, where certain cells in the retina inhibit the activity of neighboring cells, creating the perception of spots or patterns. Other illusions may involve the brain's attempts to fill in missing information or resolve conflicting signals, leading to perceptual distortions.
Overall, optical illusions provide insights into how our brain processes visual information and constructs our perception of the world. They demonstrate the complex interplay between sensory input, cognitive processes, and neural mechanisms involved in visual perception. By studying optical illusions, scientists can gain a better understanding of the brain's workings and the limitations of our perception.
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