2006-08-11 14:58:56 · 9 answers · asked by blixa228 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It always looks larger when it is near the horizon. It's an optical illusion, but we see it as larger than when it is high in the sky. You might have been looking at it earlier in the evening than usual.
2006-08-11 15:03:56 · answer #1 · answered by nosoccertyvm 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, it did. It was beautiful; I'm glad I caught it. Here's the answer as to why it appeared so large:
The so-called "moon illusion" or "moon effect" has perplexed people since earliest historical times, at least as early as the 7th century BCE. It is described in early Greek and Chinese writings. Aristotle mentions it in 350 BCE.
The moon seems larger in angular size when it is near the horizon than when it is high in the sky. Some people judge it to be as much as twice as large, but the average estimate is 50% to 75% larger.
It's not a small effect. The Sun displays the same illusion, but viewing the Sun directly with the eye is hazardous without proper precautions, so let's leave that out of this discussion. The same illusion is observed with any extended object in the sky, such as a constellation.
2006-08-11 15:09:53 · answer #2 · answered by Angela 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As folks above said, it's an optical illusion. Next time you see the Moon and it looks big, try one of the following:
Stretch your arm out and cover the Moon with your pinkie finger. You can cover it up easily wether the Moon "looks" huge on the horizon or normal-sized farther up.
Turn around, bend over at the waist and look at the Moon through your legs. It'll look normal size.
Look at the Moon through a hollow tube, like a paper towel tube or a fat straw. Should look normal size.
2006-08-11 15:14:02 · answer #3 · answered by kris 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it did look bigger yesterday, I noticed it so it must be full moon.
The moon looked bigger because the place we viewed is the closest place to moon's orbit, so it's quite rare. It looked 14% bigger and 7% brighter than usual.
2006-08-11 15:12:10 · answer #4 · answered by Eve W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called a Harvest Moon.
2006-08-11 15:01:25 · answer #5 · answered by mad_mav70 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I did notice it. Me and my 2 year old son were looking at it and he kept saying "the moon, the moon". It was too cute.
2006-08-11 15:03:30 · answer #6 · answered by crystal lee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It rained heavily here all last night, but it might be clear this weekend and I might be able to get out my telescope again.
2006-08-11 15:05:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no but try looking your rearview mirror
2006-08-11 15:02:12 · answer #8 · answered by phil h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure did, my son and i had fun howling.
2006-08-11 15:04:44 · answer #9 · answered by jedidoughboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋