Spherical aberration is an optical phenomenon that occurs when light rays passing through a lens or reflecting off a mirror do not converge at a single point. This happens because spherical surfaces, like those found in many lenses and mirrors, cause light rays that strike the edges to focus at different points than those that hit the center. As a result, images can appear blurry or distorted. This effect is particularly noticeable in optical devices such as cameras and telescopes, where precise focus is essential. To minimize spherical aberration, designers often use aspheric lenses or mirrors, which have a more complex shape that helps focus light more accurately.