Mirage - 21.4.2023 at 14.30 - 21.4.2023 at 14.55 Helsinki Observation number 115728

Visibility III / V

Georg Kieninger

Weaving on Helsinki's sea horizon. Figure 3 is interesting in that the three objects shown in it are not ships, because on at least two other days they were seen again in exactly the same places. Could it be, for example, reflections from the structures of Vuosaari harbor, e.g. cranes?

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1 4

Additional information

Lightsource of the phenomenon
- Sunlight
Common atmospheric phenomena
- Mirage
  
  Mirage is a light phenomenon that occurs when there are layers of air of different temperatures in the atmosphere. The light gets reflected between these different layers.
  
  This can happen, for example, in the spring over the water when the sea is still cold and the sun is already heating up the air .
  
  In mirages, distant objects may appear even if you do not otherwise see them. Their shape is more or less distorted. Objects like boats or islands may also appear to be hanging upside down in the sky.
  
  Mirages involving landscape objects and celestial bodies are reported to the Skywarden. Asphalt mirages are not collected, since they are quite common during the summer months.
  
  In this mirage small islands seem to be hanging from the air over the sea. Image by Peter von Bagh.
  
  The Moon distorted on a mirage. Photo by Aki Taavitsainen.
  
  Island mirages over an ocean covered by ice. Image by Pentti Arpalahti.

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Mirage - 21.4.2023 at 14.30 - 21.4.2023 at 14.55 Helsinki Observation number 115728