As the sunshine beats down on the road, the road surface becomes hot, making the layer of air above it expand and become less dense. This in turn changes the way light passes through it from points further down the road.
However, the effect is not uniform. The rising air is turbulent, so its density and thus optical properties are constantly fluctuating. This is what creates the shimmering effect we see as we look down the road.
Read more:
- Why do raindrops appear hexagonal on camera lenses?
- Why does heat make roads appear wet in the distance?
- Why does the Moon appear white and the Sun yellow?
- Why do some drinks taste better when they are cold?
Authors
Robert is a science writer and visiting professor of science at Aston University. He likes maths, West End musicals and hamsters.
