What is fata morgana?

A fata morgana is a type of mirage that can be seen on the horizon on hot days. It is caused by the refraction of light as it passes through air layers of different temperatures. This phenomenon can create distorted and elongated images of objects, such as ships and buildings, that are actually located beyond the horizon. Fata morgana mirages are typically seen in deserts, over bodies of water, and on icy surfaces. The name "fata morgana" comes from the Italian term for Morgan le Fay, a sorceress from Arthurian legend who was said to create illusions to deceive travelers.