"King of the herring" refers to a colloquial term used to describe a phenomenon known as a "superior mirage." In this optical illusion, a distortion occurs in the appearance of objects, most commonly seen in connection with distant sea vessels, especially fishing boats.
The term's origins lie in the herring industry, where the fish was considered highly valuable. The name "king of the herring" symbolizes the prominence and magnification observed in the mirage, as if the vessel were an exceptional version of the herring fish, dominating the surroundings.
A superior mirage is caused by the bending of light rays due to a change in the density of air layers near the Earth's surface. This bending, or refraction, occurs when there is a significant temperature difference between air layers. The occurrence of a temperature inversion, where the air close to the surface is colder than the upper layers, is typically responsible for this effect.
The result of these optical distortions is that objects appear elongated or displaced from their actual position, making them seem larger and elevated above their true location. This elevated image creates the illusion of ships or boats floating above the horizon, often giving them a towering appearance.
"King of the herring" is a metaphorical expression that encapsulates the grandeur and inflated visual perception associated with this type of mirage, originating from their common observation in maritime regions.
