What is a Mirage?
A mirage is a naturally occurring optical illusion caused by the refraction of light rays bending as they pass through air layers of different temperatures. This bending of light creates a false image or appearance of objects that are not actually there.
Types of Mirages
- Superior Mirage
- Inferior Mirage
- Fata Morgana
Examples of Mirages
One famous example of a mirage is seeing water on a road on a hot day due to the reflection of the sky. Another common example is the illusion of distant objects appearing closer or larger in size.
Case Studies
In 2015, a study conducted in the Sahara Desert found that mirages often played a role in the deaths of lost travelers who saw false images of water and continued to walk towards them.
Statistics on Mirages
According to research, mirages are more commonly seen in desert regions due to the extreme temperature differentials. They are also observed over bodies of water, particularly on hot days.
