What is a mirage?

A mirage is an optical illusion that occurs when light rays are bent as they pass through air layers of different temperatures, creating a false image or an apparent image of an object that is not actually present. It can occur anywhere there is a sharp change in temperature gradient, but it is most commonly observed in hot deserts, on hot roads or on the horizon over a large water body.

There are several types of mirages, including inferior, superior, and Fata Morgana. Inferior mirages appear below the real object, while superior mirages appear above it. Fata Morgana mirages are the most complex and occur when light is bent through a thermal inversion over a large area, creating multiple images of objects at different heights and even distorted and stretched images.

While mirages can be fascinating to observe, they can also pose a danger to travelers by creating a false image of water, an oasis or a road, which can lead to dehydration or navigation errors. Understanding the science behind mirages can help individuals recognize and avoid these potential dangers.