optical illusion

Beyond its mental effects, he was immediately drawn to the aesthetics — swirling colors, optical illusions and surreal depictions of cognition — associated with it.

We're all familiar with optical illusions; some are novelties, while some are all around us.

Sun halos are optical illusions created when ice crystals form in the correct shape in the upper atmosphere, usually accompanying thin, wispy cirrus clouds.

Due to the low angle of the Sun's rays, this can appear an optical illusion, as the pink wavelengths light up the base of the cloud.

A photo of Dodger Stadium seemingly marooned by floodwater as Tropical Storm Hilary ripped through Southern California was, in fact, an optical illusion.