Fata morgana is a mirage caused by an atmospheric inversion (cold air near the surface with warmer air aloft). The interface between the warmer and colder air acts as a refracting lens producing an upside-down image. In the first picture the black blob in the middle is usually just a small rock that can be seen across the ice. The fata morgana is more difficult to see in the second picture, but you might be able to pick out the fact that the bottom of Mt Discovery is looking a little strange.John explained to me that the early explorers would see this effect on large pieces of sea ice. Due to the optical illusion, it would look like entire ice cities existed on top of the sea ice.
Diamond Dust
One day Shelley and I were walking over to the galley for lunch and I thought that I was seeing stars. I could see small burst of light in the sky right next to my eye. It was like the sky was twinkling. The phenomenon is called clear sky precipitation, aka Diamond Dust. This usually occurs when an inversion exists (the atmosphere is colder near the surface and warmer aloft). As the warmer air from aloft, which usually carries some moisture, mixes with the colder air near the surface the moisture freezes. This causes tiny ice crystals which sparkle in the sunshine.
The Ice Pier
This is a picture of the fuel tanker docked at the ice pier. To the right of the ship you can see the ice pier. It is a large piece of ice cut out of the sea ice. The piece of ice is moved into position and then covered with dirt in order to keep it from melting. I thought that it was an interesting and creative solution to building a pier large enough for this vessel and the heavy machinery necessary to unload the cargo.
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