Images of a ship floating in the sky over Cornwall, England have attracted attention this week.
Although it appears to be a montage, the recording is an optical illusion. The specific term for this event is “Fata Morgana” (the name given to the half-sister witch in King Arthur’s legend), which occurs when warm air meets cold water and causes things to appear to float. It can also be called a high mirage.
The “ghost ship” event was captured in photos and videos and posted on social media profiles. Locals in Cornwall described the sightings as “miraculous”.
“The optical illusion lasted at least half an hour. Like most optical illusions or magic tricks people do, I tried to figure out what or how it worked,” explained Lizzie Larbalestier to a local newspaper. Cornwall Live.
Optical illusions are common in the Arctic, but rare in the UK. Fata Morgana can be seen mainly in local winters.
