Mirage (source code)

= Mirage
{wiki}

A mirage is an apparent displaced image caused by <refraction> through a spatially varying <refractive index>. Above a hot surface, low-index air near the ground can bend a <light ray> back upwards before it reaches the surface. An observer tracing the arriving ray backwards along its local tangent can then infer an apparent image below the turning region. This explains the appearance of a distant reflective surface without requiring reflection at the road itself.