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Mirages are naturally occurring optical illusions.
Image credit:DisillusionedBitterAndKnackered / Wikimedia Commons (licensed underCC BY-SA 4.0)
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What is a Mirage?
Answer – In optics, a mirage is the deceptive appearance of a distant object(s) caused by refraction in layers of air of varying density.
Explanation:
It is both an optical illusion and a natural phenomenon. It happens as a result of light rays bending in the Earth’s atmosphere, typically as a result of temperature changes.
Light travels in straight lines under normal conditions. But when it passes through hot air, it refracts. This change in light direction creates distorted images for viewers.
Mirages can be categorized as inferior, superior, and Fata Morgana.
- Inferior mirage: In this, the mirage image appears below the actual object. One of the examples is the classic shimmering “pools” of water seen on hot roads or deserts. Light rays bend upward due to the hot air near the ground, projecting an inverted image of the sky onto the surface.
- Superior mirage: In these, the inverted image appears above the erect one. For example, ships appearing to float in the air. In this, light rays bend downward due to hot air higher in the atmosphere, creating an elongated and distorted image.
- Fata Morgana: This complex mirage shows multiple inverted and upright images stacked on top of each other, often resembling castles or cities. It occurs when light rays travel through multiple layers of air at different temperatures.
Image credit:DisillusionedBitterAndKnackered / Wikimedia Commons (licensed underCC BY-SA 4.0)
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