How Light Bends To Create A Mirage - Videos from The Weather Channel
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How Light Bends To Create A Mirage

February 1, 2026

Discover the science behind mirages, the mesmerizing optical illusion that makes distant objects appear displaced, stretched, or even floating on the horizon. This short video explains how layers of hot and cool air bend light as it travels through the atmosphere, tricking our eyes into seeing water on roads, inverted ships at sea, or distorted landscapes in extreme heat or cold. Learn why mirages are most common during temperature extremes and how they reveal the invisible structure of the air around us.