Goldfish bowl reflecting inside into apparent 3-D

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Nick Levinson
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a unique optical illusion involving a box resembling a goldfish bowl with a reflective interior. Participants experienced the illusion of a jewel appearing at the top of the box, which was actually located at the bottom, due to the reflection created by the curved mirrors inside. The phenomenon highlights the principles of optics and reflection, specifically how curved mirrors can manipulate perception. The lack of widespread documentation on similar illusions raises questions about their recognition and classification in optical physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic optical principles, particularly reflection and refraction.
  • Familiarity with curved mirror geometry and its effects on light.
  • Knowledge of optical illusions and their psychological impact on perception.
  • Basic skills in searching for scientific phenomena online.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of curved mirrors and their applications in optical illusions.
  • Explore various types of optical illusions and their classifications.
  • Investigate the physics behind light reflection and refraction in different mediums.
  • Look for visual examples and illustrations of similar optical illusions online.
USEFUL FOR

Anyone interested in optical physics, educators teaching about light and reflection, and enthusiasts of visual perception phenomena will benefit from this discussion.

Nick Levinson
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I saw an optical illusion once decades ago that I don't think I've seen written up anywhere else. I don't even know what to call it, so I can't very well Google it.

A box about three feet tall and about a foot square on top had a large hole on top. Looking down inside it, we could see a jewel. An invitation to help ourselves was posted and a nice person told us to go ahead. We tried. My hand went through the jewel like it didn't exist. Then we read the sign in small print.

Basically, in the top of the box was something like a goldfish bowl, but it was coated on the outside so that it had mirror surfacing inside. The jewel was way down at the bottom. What we saw was near the top, so we reached near the top and I felt nothing and my friend probably felt nothing, too. The explanation in the sign was that the jewel was being reflected from the bottom to the top, thus was only an optical illusion at the top.

My problem with this explanation is that, by now, I should have seen or heard or read of dozens of similar illusions in various places.

What was really going on?
 
Science news on Phys.org
I've forgotten the exact description but it's a simple effect of curved mirrors and precise placement of the object. I also can't help with the name but I'm sure there are dozens of illustrations on the internet if we knew what to look for.
 
http://practicalphysics.org/optical-illusion-concave-mirror.html?
 

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