Fogillusion

Fogillusion is a term used to describe a specific type of visual distortion or trick of the light that can occur in foggy conditions. It is not a scientific term but rather a descriptive phrase that captures the subjective experience of seeing things that aren't truly there, or perceiving existing objects in an altered or misleading way due to the reduced visibility caused by fog.

This phenomenon can manifest in several ways. For instance, distant objects may appear closer or further away than they actually are, leading to misjudgments of distance. Shapes can become indistinct and distorted, making it difficult to identify them clearly. In some cases, the fog can create a sense of depth or volume where none exists, making flat surfaces seem three-dimensional or vice versa. Furthermore, the diffused light within fog can cause halos or a general blurring effect around light sources, further contributing to the illusion.

Fogillusion is primarily a perceptual effect, relying on how the human brain interprets ambiguous visual information. The lack of sharp edges and clear details forces the brain to make assumptions and fill in the gaps, which can sometimes lead to incorrect perceptions. It is often experienced by drivers, hikers, or anyone navigating through dense fog, and can be a factor in accidents or disorientation. While not a formal optical phenomenon, the term "fogillusion" effectively communicates the disorienting and deceptive nature of vision in foggy environments.