Ghost Ship in the Fog
What looks like a ghost ship in the mist might not be a legend at all! Families become Maritime Myth Busters, exploring how light, fog, shadows and optical illusions could have inspired mysterious stories once told by sailors at sea.
Have you ever seen something strange in the mist and wondered if it was real? Step into the world of Lanterns and Legends this Halloween and discover how the sea can play tricks on our eyes.
For centuries, sailors – including those serving in the Royal Navy – have shared stories of ghost ships, mysterious lights and strange shapes appearing through the fog. But could science explain some of these legendary sightings?
Families will become Maritime Myth Busters, using torches, transparent materials and a simple fog chamber to investigate how light behaves in mist. Place a model ship, silhouette or everyday object inside the viewing chamber, then shine lights from different angles to see what happens. Move the light source, change the position of the object and experiment with coloured filters to create eerie effects.
Along the way, discover how light travels, how fog scatters light and reduces visibility, and how shadows can become distorted or appear larger than they really are. Families will then take on the challenge: can you create an optical illusion that makes your model ship look like a ghost ship emerging from the fog?
Could you solve the mystery this Halloween?
All tickets for the Royal Navy Museums: Hartlepool are valid for a whole year!
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