– Optical Illusion Spinner
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A tabletop spinner that makes a gas giant appear to float inside its rings as the supports disappear.
- Rating
- 5 / 5
- Likes
- 81
- Downloads
- 211
- Makes
- 4
- Views
- 2,533
- Reviews
- 4
Updated at source:
Model information
- Source
- Printables
- Category
- Physics & Astronomy
- License
- Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial — NoDerivatives
Impossible Gas Giant
An optical illusion disguised as a simple tabletop spinner.
Give it a fast spin and watch the supporting arms fade from view. For a moment, the central gas giant appears to float freely inside its rings—creating a surprisingly convincing miniature planetary illusion.
The effect is entirely mechanical. No batteries, magnets or electronics are required.
How it works
As the model rotates, the thin supporting arms move too quickly for the eye to follow clearly. The circular rings remain visible, while the supports become blurred and seem to disappear.
The result is a floating planet surrounded by seemingly unsupported rings.
Printing
Print the model in the supplied orientation
PLA or PETG
0.20 mm layer height works well
Make sure the first layer is even
How to use
Place the spinner on a smooth, hard and level surface.
Hold the central planet between your fingers.
Give it a quick, controlled spin.
Watch the supports fade away and the gas giant appear to float.
A dark or uncluttered background generally makes the illusion easier to see.
I would love to see your version of the Impossible Gas Giant.