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Mirage

A name for a variety of unusual images of distant objects seen as a result of the bending of light rays in the atmosphere during abnormal vertical distribution of air density. If the air closer to the ground is much warmer than the air above, the rays are bent in such a way that they enter the observer's eyes along a line lower than the direct line of sight. The object is then seen below the horizon, the inferior mirage. If the air closer to the ground is much colder than the air above, the rays are bent in the opposite direction, arriving at the observer's eyes above the line of sight; the object then seems to be elevated or floating in the air, the superior mirage. Mirages can be seen most frequently along an overheated highway surface; the inferior mirage of the sky gives the impression of water reflection over a wet pavement, which disappears upon a closer viewing.

Viper1

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17y ago

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