A picture of what looks like the Isle of Wight, taken from Brighton beach, could well be a mirage.

Alex Ghionis, a research fellow in chemical and biological security at Sussex University, took the photo and thinks the silhouette in the picture could be a phenomenon known as a superior mirage.

A superior mirage happens when the air below the line of sight is colder than the air above it - a temperature inversion. Light rays are bent down, so the image appears above the true object, hence the name superior.

The Island can be visible from high points in Brighton on very clear days, but it is not a common sight from the famous beach.

Isle of Wight County Press: Alex believes the shape in this red outline is a superior mirageAlex believes the shape in this red outline is a superior mirage (Image: Alex Ghionis)

Alex, 36,  said: “I think the outline of the Isle of Wight from Brighton beach is a superior mirage.

“It would have formed due to the extremely cold weather and some temperature inversion in the atmosphere - although it is a rare and quite spectacular thing to see.”

Alex posted the image to Facebook. 

Some thought it was the land behind Worthing toward Selsey, but this is mostly flat and therefore unlikely to appear above Worthing in the distance.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Isle of Wight in the centre of the sea, seen from allotments in BrightonThe Isle of Wight in the centre of the sea, seen from allotments in Brighton (Image: Alex Cope)

The Island can sometimes be spotted from other locations in Sussex, including the top floors of the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton Racecourse and Hollingbury Hill Fort.

Commenting on the photo, Sig Hobden said: “That looks like a cloud to me. I've never seen the Isle of Wight that far north behind Worthing."

  • What do we think? Is this a superior mirage of the Island? Email editor@iwcp.co.uk and tell us your thoughts!

Alex said that was his initial thought, but the shape is almost identical to silhouettes of the east side of the Isle of Wight.

“According to maps, the location would be accurate," Alex added.

One commenter said: “I can confirm, having been by boat a few times, that what you are seeing is St Catherine's Down on the Isle of Wight."

Lucy Cage added: “I often see Isle of Wight from Freshfield Road but how amazing that it can be visible at sea level on rare occasions.”