7. Desert Mirages and Light Phenomena
The reflecting surface of the salt flat, high altitude, and dramatic temperature changes produce amazing optical illusions and light events. Complex mirages throughout the landscape cause far-off objects to seem to float above the surface during the hottest sections of the day. Perfect conditions for great mirages—where items below the horizon seem visible thanks to air refraction—are created by the level, white expanse of salt. The high albedo (reflectivity) of the salt flat magnifies these optical events by generating strong light conditions that might generate several mirage layers. Scientists have recorded how these circumstances might produce unique atmospheric optical displays like several sun images, light pillars, and intricate rainbow formations. The phenomena is especially remarkable around sunrise and sunset when the changing angle of sunlight mixes with various layers of air temperature to produce dynamic and always shifting visual effects that subvert our sense of reality.