Washington State has its share of Fata Morgana, particularly in areas near large bodies of water like Puget Sound or the Columbia River. Fata Morgana is a complex form of superior mirage that occurs over the horizon, making objects appear distorted, elongated, or stacked.
It occurs when layers of air at different temperatures create unusual optical effects. It often appears as a distorted image of distant objects, such as boats or coastlines, making them look elongated or stacked.
This phenomenon is most commonly observed over bodies of water or in polar regions, where temperature inversions are prevalent. The name comes from Morgan le Fay, a figure from Arthurian legend who was said to create illusions.
The conditions necessary for this optical phenomenon, such as temperature inversions, can be met in these regions, especially during specific weather patterns. While it may not be extremely common, it’s certainly possible to witness a Fata Morgana in Washington under the right circumstances.