Details

Last Updated: Thursday, 11 June 2015 21:53

Written by Dr. Donald H. Mershon

Summary: Driving across a suspension bridge (with two tall towers) can result in a dramatic percept. As the nearer tower appears to increase in size, the more distant one may appear to shrink, even though your car is approaching each of them at the same velocity. This effect is an example of a size-distance illusion. Oddly enough, the bridge illusion almost exactly parallels an illusion that occurs if you move your head, while observing the surface of coffee in a cup.

This article is in progress and is not finalized. Check back for updates.