Fata Morgana: The Phantom Islands of Maritime Folklore

https://www.ihadnoclue.com/article/1079176556436979713

Phantom islands are a fascinating cartographic phenomenon where mysterious landmasses appeared on official maps for centuries before being proven nonexistent. Unlike purely mythical places, these islands were documented by credible navigators and accepted as geographical facts, sometimes persisting on charts for hundreds of years. Examples include Hy-Brasil west of Ireland (mapped from 1325-1873), the Isle of Demons near Newfoundland, and various Pacific phantom islands reported by respected mariners. Many can be explained by Fata Morgana, a complex atmospheric optical illusion where temperature inversions bend light rays, making distant objects appear distorted above the horizon. These stable mirages could persist for hours, allowing for detailed observation. The persistence of phantom islands on maps reflected both the limitations of pre-satellite cartography and sometimes political motivations, as colonial powers were eager to claim new territories. Though now removed from navigation charts, these non-existent lands continue to influence literature and folklore and remind us how human perception and technological limitations have shaped our understanding of geography.