An optical phenomenon refers to any observable event that involves the interaction of light with matter, resulting in visual effects. These phenomena can include rainbows, which occur when sunlight refracts through water droplets, or mirages, which are caused by the bending of light in hot air. Other examples include lenses, which focus or disperse light, and prisms, which separate white light into its component colors. Optical phenomena are essential in various fields, including physics, photography, and astronomy, as they help us understand how light behaves in different environments.