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Why Do Wheels Appear to Spin Backwards (at High Speeds)?

By ScienceABCFrom BoclipsSeptember 30, 2025

At high speeds, wheels may appear to be turning backwards, creating an optical illusion known as the Wagon wheel effect. This happens because our brains fill in gaps between images to create the illusion of continuous movement. As a result, the phenomenon can result in a perceived backwards motion. While there are different theories about why it occurs, the phenomenon is not yet fully understood. Watch this video to learn more about this fascinating optical illusion and uncover the science behind it.

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