Coriolis Illusion
What is coriolis illusion?
The Coriolis illusion is a vestibular (inner ear) illusion that occurs after you've been in a constant-rate turn long enough that the fluid in your ear canals stops signaling motion to the brain. If you then make an abrupt head movement—like looking down at a chart or reaching for something—the fluid is set moving again, creating a powerful false sensation of turning or accelerating on a completely different axis. Think of it as: in a steady turn, keep your head still—a sudden head tilt can make you feel like the aircraft is tumbling when it isn't.
Also known as: Coriolis effect
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