The Ponzo illusion is a geometrical-optical illusion, named for the Italian psychologist Mario Ponzo, in which two identical horizontal lines placed across a pair of converging vertical lines appear to be different lengths, even though they are actually the same size. The effect arises because the brain interprets the converging lines as a perspective cue suggesting distance, making the line that appears farther away look longer than the one that appears closer.
Facts
Core ClaimThe Ponzo illusion is a geometrical-optical illusion that takes its name from the Italian psychologist Mario Ponzo, in which converging lines create a false impression of distance and relative size. 1 First Described Year Classification
Type of Phenomenon Connections
Sources
1. Ponzo illusion, Wikipedia
opening definition paragraph and Overview section
The Ponzo illusion is a geometrical-optical illusion that takes its name from the Italian psychologist Mario Ponzo (1882-1960).
Lead section
The Ponzo illusion is a geometrical-optical illusion that takes its name from the Italian psychologist Mario Ponzo (1882-1960). Two identical horizontal lines placed on vertical converging lines will appear to be of different lengths.
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