Mind-boggling optical illusions that are found in nature

Nov 5, 2024

Credit: Freepik

Firewall, Yosemite National Park, USA

The Firefall in Yosemite is a natural optical illusion, where sunlight hits Horsetail Fall at sunset, creating the appearance of flowing molten lava in winter.

Credit: Freepik

Rakotzbrucke, Germany

Rakotzbrucke, in Germany, is a picturesque stone bridge that creates a perfect arch reflected in the water, forming a near-complete circle, a stunning natural optical illusion.

Credit: A.Landgraf

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, is the world’s largest salt flat, that creates a mirror-like effect after rainfall, distorting reflections into a breathtaking, endless optical illusion.

Credit: Freepik

Underwater Waterfall, Mauritius

The Underwater Waterfall in Mauritius is a mesmerising optical illusion, where sand and silt are swept by currents, creating the appearance of cascading waterfalls beneath the ocean.

Credit: Freepik

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Sossusvlei, Namibia, features towering red sand dunes that create dramatic contrasts and optical illusions, making the desert landscape appear endless and otherworldly, especially at sunrise.

Credit: Freepik

Deadvlei, Namibia

Deadvlei, Namibia, is a stark white clay pan surrounded by towering dunes, with ancient, blackened tree skeletons, creating an eerie, otherworldly optical illusion in the desert.

Credit: Freepik

The Wave, USA

The Wave, in Arizona, USA, is a sandstone rock formation with swirling, colourful patterns that create a surreal, undulating optical illusion, resembling a frozen, flowing wave.

Credit: Freepik

Sundogs, Worldwide

Sundogs are bright halos around the sun, formed by ice crystals in the atmosphere, creating a stunning optical illusion of multiple suns or rainbow-like spots.

Credit: Freepik