Stuff You Should Know

Magic Eye Illusions

Jul 20, 2023
Dive into the whimsical world of Magic Eye illusions and how they capture our imagination. Explore their fascinating journey from the 1950s to the 1990s, unpacking the science of depth perception and the evolution of stereoscopic photography. Discover Babe Ruth’s legendary called shot through a lens of modern technology. The episode highlights the transformation of these illusions from marketing gimmicks to cultural phenomena, complete with tips on how to unlock their secrets. Expect humor, history, and a little optical magic!
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ANECDOTE

Josh's Magic Eye Journey

  • Josh Clark initially struggled with Magic Eye images, only succeeding occasionally.
  • After researching, he improved significantly, even maintaining focus after the image appears.
INSIGHT

Binocular Vision and Depth Perception

  • Binocular vision, having two eyes, gives depth perception due to slightly different perspectives.
  • This depth perception comes from the brain combining the two images.
ANECDOTE

Ptolemy's Theory

  • Ptolemy, a Roman astronomer, incorrectly theorized that eyes emit visual rays to focus on objects.
  • He also noted the angle of convergence between eyes, an important element in depth perception.
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