What Causes a Mirage on a Hot Day?

Mirages are like magic tricks that the air plays on our eyes. When it's really hot, the ground gets super warm and starts to heat up the air just above it. This makes the air act a bit wobbly, and light from far away bends, making it look like there’s water on the road.

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Examples

On a hot day, you think the road is wet, but it's just air playing tricks on your eyes.
A desert traveler sees an oasis that isn't actually there, all thanks to warm air and bending light.
You're biking on a summer afternoon when suddenly the road looks like it has shimmering water on it.

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Categories: Physics · optics,refraction,mirage,heat