Winter Mirage, Sweden

Winter Mirage in Sweden: A Mesmerizing Optical Phenomenon

Sweden, with its stunning landscapes, often surprises us with extraordinary atmospheric optics phenomena. One such spectacle is the Winter Mirage, which transforms the mountainous scenery into a distorted and ethereal wonderland. On the 16th of December, Göran Strand, an avid photographer, captured this mesmerizing sight in Östersund, Sweden.

The Winter Mirage occurs due to a combination of temperature inversions and the refraction of light rays as they pass through layers of air with different densities. During the night, the ground cools down and radiates its heat into space, causing the surface temperature to drop significantly. As a result, the air in direct contact with the cold ground also cools down, creating a layer of cold, dense air near the surface.

As morning arrives, warmer air layers form above the cold air, creating a stratified atmosphere. This stark contrast in temperature and density sets the stage for the Winter Mirage to unfold. When sunlight passes through these layers of air, the light rays curve towards the denser medium, causing them to refract.

The refraction of light rays in the layered atmosphere creates an illusionary effect on the landscape. In the case of the Winter Mirage, the mountains appear distorted and elongated, as if they were being stretched or twisted. This phenomenon is known as a superior mirage, which occurs when the light rays refract downwards due to the temperature inversion.

In some instances, the Winter Mirage may exhibit elements of Fata Morgana, a complex and rare form of mirage characterized by intricate distortions and multiple images. Fata Morgana occurs when there are variations in temperature and humidity across different layers of air, leading to more intricate refractions of light.

The Winter Mirage can also give rise to an inverted superior mirage or even an inverted inferior mirage under extreme conditions. In an inverted superior mirage, the light source appears to be raised, creating an illusion of objects floating in the air. Conversely, an inverted inferior mirage makes the light source appear lower than it actually is.

It is important to note that the Winter Mirage phenomenon is not exclusive to Sweden but can occur in various cold regions with suitable atmospheric conditions. The unique combination of temperature inversions and layered air creates the perfect environment for these captivating optical illusions to manifest.

Witnessing the Winter Mirage is a testament to the intricate workings of our atmosphere and the interplay between temperature, density, and light. These enchanting displays serve as a reminder of the natural wonders that surround us, waiting to be discovered and admired.

So, the next time you find yourself in a cold region during winter, keep an eye out for the Winter Mirage. You might just witness a surreal and breathtaking spectacle that will leave you in awe of nature's artistic prowess.

Winter Mirage

Göran Strand (web) saw this distorted mountain landscape on 16th December at Östersund, Sweden.

The ground cooled overnight by radiating its heat to space. Cold earth then cooled touching air. Morn brought a layered atmosphere, cold air 'neath warmer. Light weaving across the layers refracted. The mountain distorted, a superior mirage and even perhaps a touch of Fata Morgana.

Image ©Göran Strand, shown with permission

Light rays curve towards the denser medium.

Cold dense air beneath warmer and lighter air. Temperature inversion.

Light rays refract downwards. Source of light appears raised. In extremis an inverted superior mirage forms.

Warm air layered beneath denser cold air.

Rays refract upwards. Light source appears lower. In extremis an inverted inferior mirage forms

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Reference Atmospheric Optics

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  • "Winter Mirage, Sweden ". Atmospheric Optics. Accessed on March 29, 2024. https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/winter-mirage-sweden/.

  • "Winter Mirage, Sweden ". Atmospheric Optics, https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/winter-mirage-sweden/. Accessed 29 March, 2024

  • Winter Mirage, Sweden . Atmospheric Optics. Retrieved from https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/winter-mirage-sweden/.