Right Round Round Round

Enjoy unsolved mysteries?

Here's one for you: why do people travel in circles when they can't see a fixed landmark?




Apparently, difference in limb lengths doesn't explain this behaviour (eg. driving the car) so this remains an unsolved question.

I wonder if you'll see the same circling movement if you make the blindfolded person lie down on a skateboard, so as to position the inner ear balance organs 90 degrees to the usual orientation.

Or if there is still circling if you give the subject a fixed auditory landmark, like a tall loudspeaker.

Via Mind Hacks.


Would you like to know more?

- A Mystery: Why Can't We Walk Straight? (npr.org)