Scientists have created an optical illusion of an expanding black hole

Norwegian psychologists have created a new optical illusion that makes you see an expanding black hole. The image is completely static, but the researchers say it gives people "a growing sense of darkness, as if they are entering a space devoid of light."

Illusory forward movement is probably our mind's way of preparing us for a change of scenery. The researchers suggest that by predicting the transition from light to dark, our visual system can adjust much faster to potentially dangerous conditions.

In analyzing this optical illusion, the researchers studied how the color of the central region and its surrounding dots affects mental and physiological responses. It turned out that it is black that most accurately conveys the effect of expansion.

Tracking eye movements of test participants showedthat their pupils unconsciously dilated at the sight of this black hole - as if they really plunged into darkness.

But why 14% of the subjects did not feel any illusory expansion, psychologists cannot yet answer.

Can you see the black hole getting bigger?