Low-sun mirage (w-396-19)

In gallery: Photos of the month (2002)
Related photos: Atmospheric optics Atmospheric refraction Inferior mirages (water)

The sun rises over lake Markermeer (Netherlands), reddened by atmospheric scattering and absorption. A strong temperature gradient in the atmosphere caused an inferior (underlying) mirage of the lower sun's disk.

Praktica MTL3, 1000mm telephoto lens with 2x teleconverter at f/22, 1/60 sec. exposure, on Fuji Sensia slide film.