Time-lapse: a Lake Michigan mirage

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Photographer Ken Scott caught a glimpse of this South Fox Island mirage in northern Lake Michigan.

The phenomena — called a superior mirage — occurs when atmospheric conditions distort sunlight, making an object or landform appear above its true position.

A cold, semi-frozen lake provides the perfect base for the spectacle. As warm air swept over Lake Michigan, the colder, denser air bent light toward Scott, who captured the sunset vista in time-lapse.

Scott’s not alone. Others have spotted these mirages across the Great Lakes, including a view of the Chicago skyline.

A screenshot from the video was first featured as an Earth Science Picture of the Day. To see more of Scott’s professional work, connect with him on Facebook.

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