Cosmic phantoms

March 2012: Time, distance, and even our minds create many objects that "aren’t really there."

Contributed by Bob Berman

Published: January 23, 2012

Time, distance, and even our minds create many objects that "aren't really there."

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ANDREW JOHNSTON from HAWAII said:

I like the bit about rainbows-I live on Kauai in Hawaii and we have LOTS of rainbows, and I enjoy trying to explain to my friends that none of us actually see the "same" rainbow, because when we see a rainbow it is a function of the precise angle of our eyes and the light source (the sun). Therefore, only if another person's eyes were exactly where mine are could they see the same rainbow, and even in the most ardent embrace the other person's eyes are in a slightly different spot. Moonbows are even cooler! Ever seen one?

MILES PAUL from said:

Bob's page is the first thing I look at when Astronomy arrives in the mail. His writing is informative and sprinkled with his great sense of humor.

WOJTEK JOHANSSON from said:

Despite the lack of clarity around us, I now understand clearly.
Thank you for opening my mind to my eyes.

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