Know Before You Go
Cima del Sol Street has moderate traffic, so be cautious when trying the effect on your car.
León, Mexico
Colina Gravitacional (Gravity Hill)
Things roll uphill on this Mexican street that seems to defy gravity.
In the middle of a suburb in Leon, Mexico, there is a hill that defies the law of gravity. Or so it seems.
The phenomenon works like this: When drivers put their cars into neutral on Cima del Sol Street, rather than rolling downwards like one might expect the vehicle will creep uphill. The same goes for water spilled on the pavement and marbles set on the road—they all mysteriously roll up the hill, rather than down.
Gravity Hills that appear to defy the laws of gravity exist around the world. In the past, it was believed these gravitational anomalies occurred because of magnetic forces, electrical currents, even paranormal intervention from ghosts or aliens. Ultimately though, all gravity hills and mystery spots have been revealed to be mere optical illusions. What looks like uphill is actually downhill, but the mind is tricked by clues in the surrounding landscape, like a distorted horizon line.
Even with a completely logical explanation for the phenomenon, it’s fun to be able to deceive your own perception. When driving on Cima del Sol Street, about 100 feet before Campestre Boulevard, put your car into neutral and watch in awe as it creeps uphill.
Contributed by
EdgarMedina
Edited by
