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Create cosmic spiral galaxies with dots and plastic sheets [1]

['Ellsworth Toohey']

Date: 2025-06-10  

Tim from Grand Illusions demonstrates a neat trick that creates stunning visuals with minimal materials.

In his video, Tim shows how placing two identical random dot patterns — one on paper, one on transparent acetate — creates extraordinary moiré patterns when slightly rotated.

"This simple little experiment shows something that we find quite profound," Tim explains. The effect is immediate and striking: concentric circles appear around the rotation point, resembling planetary orbits.

The magic intensifies when using slightly different sized patterns. "If I twist this something extraordinary happens: it looks like a spiral galaxy. Swirling planets all going around a black hole at the center," Tim exclaims as he demonstrates the spiral arms forming.

As Tim cheerfully concludes: "With something like a simple bit of paper, a pen, and a bit of patience, you can be masters of the universe!"

[Via The Browser]

Previously:

• Mr Angry and Mrs Calm optical illusion

• I just learned about the delightful speech-to-song illusion

• Take a seat before checking out this optical illusion

• Learn About 'Fork-and-Knife Illusion' From A New Scientific Paper Written By A Middle-schooler

• Look at this optical illusion disc at New York's Little Island

• Watch this fantastic 'Circle in Circle' optical illusion machine in action

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