© Mila Zinkova
Monterey Bay, California, United States of America
Latitude: 36° 48' 0'' N
Longitude: 121° 56' 49'' W
06 November 2013 1442 (Local Time)
Image P/S code: P.13.7.3
Image I.D.: 4657
This picture shows a Fata Morgana mirage over Monterey Bay, California, USA.
A Fata Morgana is a very complex mirage created by an unusual density/temperature profile in which horizontal and vertical distortion, inversion and elevation of distant objects occur in changing patterns. Sometimes the amount of distortion and change to image is such that the object is unrecognizable. The mirage may comprise several inverted and erect images stacked above one another and also show compressed and stretched areas, all of which change in shape.
A Fata Morgana can be seen on land or at sea and may involve various types of distant objects, including ships, islands, coastlines, icebergs and clouds. A strong thermal inversion is required, with warmer air over cold air, in which an atmospheric duct is formed.
The Fata Morgana can be seen with the unaided eye, but telescopic aid is required to view the detail within the mirage.
Links in the image description will highlight features on the image. Mouse over the features for more detail.
A Fata Morgana is a very complex mirage created by an unusual density/temperature profile in which horizontal and vertical distortion, inversion and elevation of distant objects occur in changing patterns.
A Fata Morgana can be seen on land or at sea and may involve various types of distant objects, including ships, islands, coastlines and icebergs. This picture from San Francisco, California, USA, shows a Fata Morgana mirage of distant clouds at sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Links in the image description will highlight features on the image. Mouse over the features for more detail.