2006-09-30 11:17:32 · 6 answers · asked by josephpaul1953 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It's a trick our brains/eyes play. The actual size of the moon or sun in terms of the number of degrees out of the visual field is actually the same as when they are up high and look "normal". When they are near the horizon and we see them in the context of the ground and objects on the ground our brains perceive them as bigger. PS---Why some months the moon seems particularly huge I'm not sure. May be affected by moonrise's time relative to sunset---I've noticed moonrises when the sun has just set tend to look real big. Maybe because it is easier to see stuff and the ground therefore increasing the visual misinterpretation by our brains?
2006-09-30 11:31:53 · answer #1 · answered by TalkingDonkey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the illusion and the degree. (protracter) when it is near the horizon (0 degree) it looked larger because it is their original size, when it is high up (above 0 degree) the size became smaller and we used to see them small instead bigger.
2006-10-01 01:41:21 · answer #2 · answered by Eve W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The curvature of the earth and atmospheric distortion provides this optical illusion.
2006-09-30 18:29:26 · answer #3 · answered by ?man 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because you have other things nearby to compare and contrast the moon with.
2006-09-30 18:34:53 · answer #4 · answered by bruinfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an optical illusion
2006-10-01 01:32:04 · answer #5 · answered by MexiShortieHubby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the atmosphere distorts the light waves.
2006-09-30 18:20:30 · answer #6 · answered by mysticathiest 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋