Reflections inside a spheroid

Reflections of a single object (a cube with a spherical hole) inside a spheroidal mirror twice as long as it is wide.

In the beginning, the camera (which is invisible) and object are at opposite foci and the camera is looking at the object. Since all rays coming from one foci reflect to the other, there are no infinite reflections in this position.

As the video progresses, the camera and object start to move toward each other, exchanging places. A variety of reflections moving at different speeds and in different directions is seen.

As the camera and object approach the opposite foci, the reflections move more quickly, even though the camera and object are slowing down. When the camera and object reach the opposite foci, all reflections within the view disappear. The situation is the same as the beginning except the camera is looking away from the object; there are only reflections on the object's side of the spheroid.

Rendered in POV-Ray. Hope you enjoy!

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• ellipsoid
• spheroid
• reflective
• mirror
• focus
• foci
• reflection
• pov-ray
• optics
• geometry
• three-dimensional