Science | Interesting | How it works on Instagram: "A mirage in the desert is a fascinating optical illusion caused by light bending (refraction). The scorching sand heats the air near the ground, creating a layer of hot, light air beneath cooler, denser air. As light from the sky passes through these layers, it bends upward, tricking your eyes into seeing what looks like shimmering water on the ground. This is called an inferior mirage, and it’s nature’s way of faking an oasis!"