PowerTRC 6" 3-D Mirascope, Illusion Maker | Optical Illusions | 3-D Effect Toy

I recalled these as a kid, I had wished I was able to locate a larger 12" size. The illusion works very well for small items (probably 1"x1"), since it still needs space at the top for the light to some out. I haven't yet found anything other than the frog (came with it) and a marble to use. I will 3D print something in the future to add to it.It also come with a little stand to place it on, so it doesn't wobble. It is a fun illusion to place on my desk.

So much fun for my grandkids and me (Grammy)! This is a keeper.

When I was but a wee lad in the early eighties, I saw an ad for this in Popular Science or Popular Mechanics or something (we called those things 'magazines') claiming to create a spectacular eye-popping illusion of objects floating through the air. It cost $45, which would be about $200 in today's money, or about two or three month's revenue from my paper route. (We had these things called 'newspapers' back then, which were... ah, just Google it).Anyway, I'm glad I didn't send away for it back then, because if what I received now was what I would have gotten back then, I would have been very disappointed. Granted, it does what it says it does: if you put a small object inside, a perfect illusion of that object will appear on the top. However, the mirascope is tiny, and can only accommodate an object the size of a grape. It doesn't work if viewed from above or from too low an angle. And, the plastic is extremely light and flimsy. Still, I suppose I can't complain too much for only $10.

This mirror illusion toy puts a smile on my face every time I look at it.The image literally appears 3-dimensional, so I keep trying to put my finger on it just to make sure it's still not really solid. Goes right thru every time (so far).It's my second-favorite desk toy (after the li'l moon globe u can see next to it in my foto).The frog came with the set, but you can substitute your own object if you prefer.

Have displayed on a table and everyone who sees it has to try and touch the illusion and comment on it.

The smaller size limits the size of the object projected. They include a flattened frog which is about as large an image as is useful. The old larger ones were MUCH more fun.

This little experiment is quite interesting! We placed things on top. The right size seems so real. It truly appears as if you can pick it up.Then we played with lasers... Interestingly, if you tilt a laser downward, it appears to bounce off the image (we used a frog). If you shine it through the image, nothing happens. If you catch the front and back edges of the opening with the laser, it scatters in a very unique way. Such fun!

Very easy and fun to display. Thanks