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Moiré Pattern — Overlapping fine patterns produce a larger rippling pattern.
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Size & geometry / Modern illustration

Moiré Pattern

Overlapping fine patterns produce a larger rippling pattern.

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Compare the large waves with the finer lines that generate them.

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History, evidence & image credit

THE IMAGE IN THIS ARCHIVE

Fibonacci.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Moiré Pattern?

Overlapping fine patterns produce a larger rippling pattern.

What should I look for in Moiré Pattern?

Compare the large waves with the finer lines that generate them.

What explains Moiré Pattern?

The large pattern is a real consequence of the overlapping grids. Its scale can be much larger than the spacing of the individual lines.

Another way to see it

Explore this category
Offset rows of alternating black and white tiles separated by straight gray lines.

Café wall

Richard Gregory & Priscilla Heard; observed by Steve Simpson

Perfectly parallel mortar lines seem to slope.

Two equal line segments ending in oppositely oriented arrow fins.

Müller–Lyer

Franz Carl Müller-Lyer

Matching line lengths, mismatched appearances.

Two equal center circles, one surrounded by larger circles and one by smaller circles.

Ebbinghaus circles

Traditionally Hermann Ebbinghaus; popularized by E. B. Titchener

The neighbors change the size of the circle you see.

Moiré Pattern — Overlapping fine patterns produce a larger rippling pattern.

Moiré Pattern