Repeating asymmetric light-to-dark gradients arranged in circular patterns.
Look closely. Let the image settle.
Motion & perception / 1999

Peripheral drift

Still gradients seem to drift at the edge of vision.

TRY THIS

Look just to one side of the pattern, then blink or shift your gaze. The circular pattern may seem to move despite being static.

FOLLOW THE SOURCES

History, evidence & image credit

THE IMAGE IN THIS ARCHIVE

Paulnasca (talk)

Original file & attribution · Public domain

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Frequently asked questions

What is Peripheral drift?

Still gradients seem to drift at the edge of vision.

What should I look for in Peripheral drift?

Look just to one side of the pattern, then blink or shift your gaze. The circular pattern may seem to move despite being static.

What explains Peripheral drift?

Different luminance levels can produce signals with different response timing. When a blink or eye movement introduces a change, a stationary asymmetric pattern can stimulate motion processing.

Repeating asymmetric light-to-dark gradients arranged in circular patterns.

Peripheral drift