Lake Erie 'mirage' could be real: researchers

A "mirage" across Lake Erie seen beyond most people's range of vision may not be that farfetched, according to eyewitness accounts by residents of Cleveland, and scientific reports.

Some residents claim they are able to see the Canadian coastline 80 kilometres across Lake Erie, even though such a sight should be impossible to see. That is, unless it's a "mirage" or opitcal illusion.

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University say mirages can occur during an atmospheric inversion.

This is when layers of cold air cover a surface and is then topped by layers of warm air.

When this happens, sunlight filters through the layers and bends, forming a lens that can project a view of distant objects.

Reports claim that even residents of Canada have driven along the coast and seen the city of Cleveland as if it was only four kilometres away.

Scientists say it's all possible, but if there is even a slight breeze, the image could be distorted or dissolved completely.

Photography: Huron-Clinton Metro Parks

Source: Discovery Channel Reports, August 2 edition