The phenomenon of a ship “hovering” over the sea was captured on the Greek island of Skyros.
According to the website eviaonline.gr, in the photo the ship “Achilleas” plying the Kimi-Skyros route appears to be in the air, while in fact it is an optical effect called Fata Morgana.
Fata Morgana (Italian: Fata Morgana) is a rare complex optical phenomenon in the atmosphere, consisting of several forms of mirages, in which distant objects are visible repeatedly and with various distortions. It got its name in honor of the sorceress – the character of Arthurian legends, Fairy Morgana. According to legend, her love was rejected; out of grief, Fata Morgana settled in a crystal palace on the seabed and began to deceive sailors with ghostly visions.
Fata Morgana occurs when several alternating layers of air of different densities are formed in the lower layers of the atmosphere (usually due to temperature differences), capable of giving mirror reflections. As a result of the reflection and refraction of rays, real-life objects (including those located far beyond the horizon) produce several distorted images, partially overlapping each other and quickly changing in time, which creates a bizarre picture.
Fata Morgana is usually seen in the morning after a cold night. The optical illusion retains its special mysterious charm even in the summer months.
More Stories
Brands with the smell… of baguette
The battle with “African dust”: how to protect your car
Mother's Day: don't forget to congratulate your loved ones