Inferior Mirage Simulation with an Ethanol -Water Interface

Abstract

A positive refractive index gradient at an ethanol/water interface in a small glass tank models similar positive refractive index gradients created by a layer of warm air above a calm sea. Inferior mirages (omega and hourglass sunsets) are simulated and photographed as the interface slowly diffuses. Island mirages, made with small silhouettes placed in the tank, complete the simulation of an inferior mirage sunset seen in the atmosphere.

Keywords

• inferior mirages
• ethanol-water interface
• positive refractive index gradient