Reviews
Description
The cause of the inferior image observed on the horizon during Moon/Sun set/rise is examined. Observations were made of moonsets on a water horizon that displayed a duplicate image below. This is known as an Etruscan Vase or Omega effect because of the shape. A refraction model suggests that light from the geometric moon beyond the horizon passes through air layers of different temperature and density to bend down to the observer. Yet this is inadequate in explaining the rising inferior image which is robust and not mirage-like. The author considers if reflection or gravitation play a role in its appearance.
"One explanation implies that radiation passing close to the Earth's surface must follow a curved path and is inverted. Since the phenomenon is only seen from a low vantage point looking over a level surface to the horizon it also underscores the importance of the observer's perspective."
The cause of the inferior image observed on the horizon during Moon/Sun set/rise is examined. Observations were made of moonsets on a water horizon that displayed a duplicate image below. This is known as an Etruscan Vase or Omega effect because of the shape. A refraction model suggests that light from the geometric moon beyond the horizon passes through air layers of different temperature and density to bend down to the observer. Yet this is inadequate in explaining the rising inferior image which is robust and not mirage-like. The author considers if reflection or gravitation play a role in its appearance.
"One explanation implies that radiation passing close to the Earth's surface must follow a curved path and is inverted. Since the phenomenon is only seen from a low vantage point looking over a level surface to the horizon it also underscores the importance of the observer's perspective."
Reviews