Basics

Optical Haze

Aurora Borealis Halos Coronas & Anticoronas Water Sky & Ice Blink Superior Mirages Optical Haze

Also called shimmer, optical haze occurs in a layer of air next to the ground where small-scale convective currents develop. In this layer warmer air ascends and colder air descends. The difference in how the warm and cold air refract light causes a blurring of objects seen though the layer. Optical haze occurs quite frequently in the Arctic in the same meteorological conditions as the inferior mirage, and often makes it difficult to identify details in the landscape.