The observer can see an object on top of the exhibit but cannot touch it. It's just an illusion because the object is actually inside the exhibit. The Mirage exhibit is a fascinating demonstration of the principles of reflection and the reflective property of a special shape- the parabola. The exhibit consists of two parabolic mirrors facing each other and arranged like a wok with a cover. The mirror on top has a small hole in the center. The parabola concentrates reflections on its surface to a point above the center of its concave shape called the focus. The object's reflection on the top mirror is reflected off the bottom mirror. The image is formed in its focus and this is the illusion that the observer sees at the top of the exhibit.

Optical Mirage is available in the "I AM a Scientist" travelling exhibit package.