Everyone is well aware of the optical illusions where some wet pavement or a shadow creates the illusion that an object is floating in the air, but what of the object is already in the water?
Discover our latest podcast
The footage filmed by Monika Shaffner in Mt Maunganui, New Zealand showed a passing ship literally floating above the horizon.
The phenomenon is actually known as a type of mirage where a change in atmosphere alters how the human eye perceives far away images. The illusion occurs when a layer of warm air is sat upon a layer of cold air causing light to refract. Mirages can also be seen when the sun sets on the horizon as the light causes visual disturbances.
This type of mirage is also known as Fata Morgana, which alludes to the story of a sorceress who uses mirages to lead sailors to an unfortunate demise.
While this illusion may not be enough to lure anyone to their deaths it certainly is worth taking a look at/
