Watch: 'Invisibility Cloak' Uses Mirages To Make Objects Vanish | Danger Room. Researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas have hijacked one of nature’s most intriguing phenomena — the mirage — to make an invisibility cloak. It can hide objects from view, works best underwater and even has a near-instant on/off switch. To understand how it works, you need to first grasp the basics of the mirage effect. This unusual experience, sometimes seen in the desert or on hot roads during the summer, can trick your brain into seeing objects that aren’t really there. [partner id="wireduk"] It happens when a big change in temperature over a small distance bends light rays so they’re sent towards the eye rather than bouncing off the surface.
With that in mind, the researchers wanted to find a material that has an exceptional ability to conduct heat and quickly transfer it to surrounding areas to mimic the light-distorting temperature gradients of the desert. You can see it in action in the video above. Eye Candy: OK Go's Insane Rube Goldberg Machine. The End of the World. 50 year old CARTOON TRIED TO WARN US YouTube. 20 Lies Every American Should Know!