Persistence of vision or visual persistence is the optical illusion that occurs when the visual perception of an object continues for some time after the rays of light proceeding from it have ceased to enter the eye. The illusion has also been described as "retinal persistence" when attributed strictly to the retina, and "persistence of impressions" as a more general term that can also apply to the other senses. An example of the phenomenon is the fiery trail from a glowing coal or burning stick that is whirled around in the dark.