Fata Morgana is an optical illusion that occurs in the atmosphere when light rays are distorted due to temperature differences in air layers. It belongs to the type of mirages.
Correct stress: Fáta Morgána.
- The stress in the word Fáta is on the first syllable.
- The stress in Morgána is on the second syllable.
The name comes from the name of the Fairy Morgana (Fata Morgana) from the legends about King Arthur. It was believed that she created magical visions on the horizon — castles, islands, ships.
Fata Morgana occurs when:
- the lower layer of air is warmer, and the upper one is cooler;
- light from objects (for example, a boat or shore) bends upwards;
- a person perceives that an object is suspended in the air, has grown larger, or transformed into something else.
Examples:
- A ship on the horizon "hangs in the air"
- It seems that a "castle" or "city" is visible on the sea
- The road in the distance shimmers as if covered with water (a simple mirage)
Where it can be seen:
- over the sea, ocean, desert;
- in cold places (Arctic, Antarctica) and hot ones (deserts);
- sometimes — even on the highway in summer.
The phraseological expression “fata morgana” is used when someone wants to describe something attractive but deceptive or unattainable, or to emphasize the unreality or illusoriness of something. For example, someone talks about a flawless plan to become rich overnight — this can also be called a “fata morgana.”