2006-06-23 06:45:41 · 8 answers · asked by fmpguy 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It's because your mind sees the moon in proportion to landscape features when it is low. It's kind of an optical illusion - it's not really bigger but your mind interprets it as bigger.
2006-06-23 06:48:18 · answer #1 · answered by seek_out_truth 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
easily that each thing is phantasm. The brains of human beings at the same time as they see the moon or the solar on the horizon compares the scale of the moon with a tree, a house (it really is close to the Moon) and has concluded that the moon is more effective. yet at the same time as the moon is on the middle of the sky, the mind does no longer evaluate with what the moon, you need to finish that the Moon is more effective on the horizon and smaller contained in the middle of the sky. Take a ruler amplify your arm (the optimal plausible) and take a look into to degree the scale of the moon contained in the gap. Then do an same at the same time as that is on the middle of the sky. you'll discover the scale of the moon is an same. after I said the Moon, also propose that the solar or yet another enormous call.
2016-11-15 04:18:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The horizon "adds" size to the sun and moon due to a visual special effect. It is merely an illusion because the light refraction is strongest along the horizon, causing an elongation of the sphere as it passes that line. Once the sun or moon pass the horizon, the refraction of the light drops tremendously and the orbs in question "resume" their original shape.
2006-06-23 07:29:05 · answer #3 · answered by icehoundxx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the moon is low in the sky it appears larger than it actually is because the light coming to use from the moon has to travel through more atmosphere here on earth and it is magnified.
2006-06-25 17:55:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is an illusion. People tend to perceive objects on the horizon as larger than they really are, but you can destroy the illusion by looking at the horizon upside down. Really! I have tried it. And it is not only the Moon, but trees and buildings too. As you tilt your head more and more things on the horizon start to look smaller. I notice that sideways is enough tilt for me to see things on the horizon as noticeable smaller than when looking upright. The usual suggestion is to bend over and look at the horizon between your legs, but that is just to embarrassing for me so I tilt my head sideways until I am looking upside down to one side of my legs and notice the size changing when I am about half Way to being upside down. Try it, it is easy!
2006-06-23 07:05:27 · answer #5 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is possible for the earth's atmosphere to act as a lens, bending the light (kind of like a huge magnifying glass).
this phenomenon is also known to make distant things, such as mountain ranges, that are actually below the curve of the earth (from where the observer stands), seem much closer than they actually are.
2006-06-26 12:39:30 · answer #6 · answered by SonyaBegonia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I asked that same question in college of my physics professor, and the truth is that NO ONE KNOWS!
2006-06-23 09:40:54 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its because they're actually further away. They're orbit is elliptical (oval) not circular.
2006-06-23 06:49:10 · answer #8 · answered by the nothing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋