Optical Oddities - Atlas Obscura
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Optical Oddities

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science

Unlocking the Secrets of 'Invisible' Animals

From glasswing butterflies to vanishing octopuses, evolution is a mad scientist.
Luna Shyr August 16, 2021
Meudon, France

The Grande Lunette

The largest refracting telescope in Europe is housed on the grounds of a former French castle.
Workington, England

Lookout

This unique sculptural clock transforms into a periscope every hour.
Hanoi, Vietnam

Trompe-l'œil Murals of Hanoi

Life-sized painted illusions let pedestrians blend in with the street art.
statues

7 Places That Throw the Best Shade

In the most literal sense.
Kerry Wolfe August 1, 2017
León, Mexico

Colina Gravitacional (Gravity Hill)

Things roll uphill on this Mexican street that seems to defy gravity.
Moncton, New Brunswick

Moncton Magnetic Hill

A mysterious spot where the laws of gravity seem not to apply.
Wentworth, England

Hoober Stand

This folly built to commemorate an aristocratic victory over Catholic rebellion plays tricks on the eye.
Prosser, Washington

Gravity Hill

The strange phenomenon causing gravity to "work backwards" on this hill has been blamed on the paranormal.
San Francisco, California

Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze

A psychedelic labyrinth on the San Francisco bay.
Gablenz, Germany

Rakotzbrücke Devil's Bridge

This jaw-dropping 19th-century bridge uses its reflection to form what appears to be a perfect circle.
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Electric Ladyland: The Museum of Fluorescent Art

The world's only museum devoted to the wonders of fluorescence.
Queens, New York

Surreal Elevator

Nondescript elevator doors open to reveal a stunning, surreal world.
31 days of halloween

Ghost in the Rainbow

Annetta Black October 25, 2013
Gurdon, Arkansas

The Gurdon Light

A mysterious light floating in the trees of Arkansas may be a piezoelectric effect.
Sankt Andreasberg, Germany

Teufelskanzel & Hexenaltar

Goethe's "Faust" was inspired by these rock formations known as the "Devil's Pulpit" and "Witches' Altar."
Wanaka, New Zealand

Puzzling World

New Zealand's epic shrine to all things puzzling.
Los Angeles, California

Velaslavasay Panorama

Panorama exhibition hall in old silent theater with a beautiful backyard garden.