The Snow Blind Illusion

SeaBreeze

SeaBreeze

Endlessly Groovin'
Location
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Thought this was interesting, I'll have to wait for the next snowfall to check it out. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/illusion-chasers/a-snowy-illusion-for-the-holidays/


Notice that as the blinds occupy more area on the screen, the speed of the snowfall seems to accelerate. A great illusion to ponder during our white holiday season.
Nobody knows how Atarashi’s effect works, but our working hypothesis is that each time the snow disappears behind a blind, or reappears below it, it triggers transient increases in the activity of your visual system’s motion-sensitive neurons.

Such transient surges in neural activity are perhaps misinterpreted by your brain as faster motion speed.
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It is strange, I usually have my blinds open when it's snowing, snowed recently too, next time I'll do an experiment and see how freaky-deaky it really is. :p
 
I have vertical blinds. I wonder if I will get the same effect with those kind. It's supposed to be in the 60s tomorrow though so I'll have to wait a day or so for snow. :)
 
I don't think it would work with vertical blinds Ruthanne, because they say the snowflakes disappear behind the blind and then reappear below it. Maybe if there was a blizzard with high winds blowing the snow sideways? :D
 
Interesting, the difference is very small though
and I suppose it would be sill to try and measure
the speed.

Mike.
 
SeaBreeze said:
I don't think it would work with vertical blinds Ruthanne, because they say the snowflakes disappear behind the blind and then reappear below it. Maybe if there was a blizzard with high winds blowing the snow sideways? :D
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Oh I forgot I have one horizontal blind in the kitchen. I always thought it was odd that they left one window with a horizontal blind but now I can put it to good used when the snow falls!
 
Ruthanne said:
Oh I forgot I have one horizontal blind in the kitchen. I always thought it was odd that they left one window with a horizontal blind but now I can put it to good used when the snow falls!
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We'll have to check in and report to each other Ruthanne! :magnify:

Ralphy1 said:
Don't care to look at snow anymore, whether it is falling fast or slow...
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Not me Ralphy, I love watching the snow fall and being out in it, especially the first one of the season! Of course a lot of times I just like watching it from my warm comfy home. :p
 
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