2006-06-15 08:18:02 · 9 answers · asked by doulabella s 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Refraction of the light through the atmosphere, and the fact that the moon's orbit is not circular, but elliptical, so there are times when it is a bit closer than others.
2006-06-15 08:20:57 · answer #1 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, This effect is called the moon illusion and has been debated for years. Although the moon appears larger near the horizon, it really isn't. You can measure the size of the moon by holding a hole-punched index card at arm's length. The moon is about the same size as the hole both on the horizon and high in the sky.
Some people believe the moon appears larger on the horizon because you have reference points like trees and buildings. Not true. The moon illusion is caused by how we perceive the sky. It is too complicated for me to explain, but these Web sites below will make everything crystal clear:
2006-06-15 08:22:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
On an episode of the old comedy Hogan's Heros, the big German sargent Schultz was confronted by a man who pointed a small "Saturday night special" revolver at him. The good sargent was previously the owner of a toy factory (in another episode) and was there only because he was drafted, so being a civilian at heart, he was not at all fond of the idea of someone pointing any gun at him, "It was such an ENORMOUS gun!" is all he could say.
When watching a moonrise, low in the sky it first seems like such an ENORMOUS moon. I had an astronomy professor who photographed the moonrise one night. In the photos, the angular size of the moon was the same as a few hours later when it appeared more normal. This can be illustrated by holding a quarter-dollar coin out at arm's length. Do that when you first see it and later as the moon is higher in the sky. Like beauty, the moon's size is 'in the eye of the beholder'.
2006-06-15 08:47:47 · answer #3 · answered by Rabbit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually this phenomenon is an optical illusion. Your brain telling you the moon is larger because when the moon is low on the horizon you can see it in relation to recognizable objects to judge scale. When the moon is high in the sky and you have no other visual references it appears smaller. A simple experiment to demonstrate this is next time you see a "large" moon low on the horizon, cover it up with your thumb. Then repeat this when the moon is higher. You'll notice that there is no difference between the size of the moon and the size of your thumb in either position.
2006-06-15 08:26:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
prohaps it is that its a clear night or that the moon is full or it could be your eleivation there are many facter that could change the apperace of the moon
2006-06-15 08:25:21 · answer #5 · answered by lone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The atmosphere of the earth acts as a lens.
2006-06-15 08:21:04 · answer #6 · answered by ebk1974 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Didn't you see Bruce Almighty?
2006-06-15 08:21:31 · answer #7 · answered by Roly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a woman...it gets all bloated and big at certain times of the month.
2006-06-15 09:53:09 · answer #8 · answered by ashley_lynn143 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because its pretty big.
thats what my girl said.
2006-06-15 08:21:35 · answer #9 · answered by YR 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋