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A type of motion aftereffect where, after staring intently at a continuous, unidirectional motion (e.g., a flowing waterfall or an outward-spiraling pattern) for a period, a stationary object viewed immediately afterward appears to drift slowly in the opposite direction.
read more about waterfall illusion ...This illusion is caused by the fatigue (adaptation) of the specific motion-sensitive neurons in the visual cortex (area MT) that respond to the direction of motion being observed. When the stimulus stops, the adapted neurons are less active, and the unadapted neurons responsible for the opposite direction of motion dominate, causing the illusion.
It provides strong evidence for the existence of specialized, direction-sensitive motion detectors in the human visual cortex.
The effect typically lasts only a few seconds, fading as the fatigued motion neurons recover their baseline activity.
No, it can be created by viewing any continuous, unidirectional motion, such as a moving coil or conveyor belt.
Primarily involves the Middle Temporal visual area (V5/MT), which is highly specialized for motion processing.
Yes, the illusion is particularly strong in peripheral vision, though it can occur centrally as well.