Optical illusion looks like earth from space - but what it is leaves people gobsmacked

An optical illusion appears to show a stunning image of the earth taken from space.

However, the reality behind this gorgeous image is actually something entirely different.

While the beam of light through the middle of the picture appears at first to show the sun arching across the globe to a backdrop of twinkling stars - this is actually the sky as seen from earth.

At sunset the golden arch of light is actually a burnt orange horizon over a cityscape - the the 'stars' turning out to be lights inside homes and offices below.

Some people online were so taken in by the illusion they thought it could be the opening of a Universal film.

Others said they had to turn their phone around the see the image correctly.

However one said she couldn't see either the curve of the Earth from space or the cityscape, saying: 'It's all abstract except for some cirrus clouds!'.

In another mind bending image experts say this optical illusion can detect if you have a serious mental health condition.

There is not necessarily a specific, straight forward medical test for schizophrenia, which has led to sufferers waiting a long time to be formally diagnosed.

However, the earlier it is identified the quicker it can be treated - with figures showing 685,000 Brits are plagued by the condition.

Scientists in Germany say the 'hollow mask' video can help decipher if you are a sufferer of the disorder.

The odd clip features a white face mask rotating in mid-air, with the majority of viewers appearing to see the hollow part at the back rotating the opposite way.

The nose seems to point outwards but is actually pointing in.

Experts say those with schizophrenia won't be fooled by the illusion.

But the rest of us will be.

The nose of the mask seems to point outwards but is actually pointing in (youtube/echalk)

Even when aware of the illusion, you will still be unlikely to make out the back of the mask.

Those behind it say it's because it has been designed to target the way the brain processes visuals.

The human brain draws on its own lived experience to conclude faces are convex - or point outward - so we process the image in a way that makes sense.