Flying Optical Illusion

A large mirror creates the illusion that a person’s leg reflection is actually their other leg, making it appear as though both legs lift off the ground and the person is flying.

1. Place a large flat mirror vertically on the floor, with volunteers holding it if needed.
2. Stand with one leg in front of the mirror and the other leg hidden behind it.
3. From the audience’s perspective, the leg in front of the mirror appears as the opposite leg reflected.
4. Lift the leg in front of the mirror. The reflection makes it appear that both legs are raised, creating the illusion of flight.
5. Ask students to explain how reflection creates this illusion.

Flying mirror Illusion - dArtofScience:

📄 Flying Optical Illusion - Science World: https://www.scienceworld.ca/resource/flying-optical-illusion/

• Let student volunteers try the illusion to experience it themselves.
• Experiment with arm positions or props to see how reflections change perception.
• Use multiple mirrors to create more complex illusions.

• Handle the mirror carefully to avoid breakage or injury.
• Ensure the mirror is stable and supported so it does not tip over.
• Clear the demonstration area of tripping hazards.

• How many actual legs are being seen in the illusion? (Only one real leg plus its reflection.)
• Which parts of the legs are visible? (The front leg and the mirror’s reflection of its inner side.)
• Why does the brain interpret the reflection as a second leg? (The reflection appears in the orientation expected of the hidden leg.)
• How does this demonstration show the properties of light? (Light rays reflect off the mirror and travel to our eyes, creating the illusion of depth.)