A mirage is an optical phenomenon that occurs when layers of air at different temperatures bend light rays. This bending creates the illusion of water or a distant object, often seen in hot environments like deserts. The ground heats the air above it, causing the light to refract, which can trick the brain into perceiving something that isn't really there. Mirages are most commonly observed on hot days, especially on roads or sandy surfaces. They can appear as shimmering pools of water or even as reflections of the sky. Understanding mirages helps explain how our eyes and brain interpret visual information in varying conditions.