The Illusion of Anti-Gravity (aka a Superior Mirage)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of a ship appearing to hover above the sea, attributed to optical illusions such as mirages. Participants explore the underlying physics, including refraction and reflection, while examining various explanations and interpretations of the observed effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the completeness of existing explanations for the gap between the ship and the water.
  • Others propose that the observed effect may be due to a layer of warm air above the sea, leading to total internal reflection of the sky.
  • One participant suggests that the phenomenon could be a coincidence, with the ship positioned at a specific spot that creates the illusion.
  • There is discussion about the nature of mirages, with references to inferior mirages and Fata Morgana, and whether the observed effect fits these definitions.
  • Participants note that multiple images of objects can appear in mirages, with some being upside down and others not visible due to their light direction.
  • Some contributions mention analogous effects in sonar, where temperature gradients affect sound propagation, drawing parallels to light behavior in mirages.
  • There are references to historical and anecdotal accounts of mirages, including a story about a village appearing in the sky, illustrating the phenomenon's complexity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the explanations for the observed phenomenon, and the discussion remains unresolved with no consensus on the underlying mechanisms.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential for missing assumptions about atmospheric conditions, the dependence on specific definitions of mirages, and unresolved details regarding the physics involved in the observed effects.

  • #31
hutchphd said:
I think it is still puzzling why there was insufficient warning from the watch.

I think it's not that puzzling with the stars as the only source of light.
 
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  • #32
Dark adapted from parapet on a crystal clear night with low swell I would think one should be able to see an iceberg ahead using only starlight, absent these aberrations. I am interested in the opinion of the several good sailors amongst us.
 
  • #33
hutchphd said:
Isn't this the same effect that some folks think sunk HMS Titanic?

HMS is reserved for warships of the Royal Navy.

I'd need to check Titanic but it would have been SS (steamship) or RMS (Royal Mail Ship).

Regarding the photo, it looks like the British have resorted to innovative tactics to beat the post-Brexit trade tarriffs.
 
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