I've seen the moon look enormous in films etc (often behind a kissing couple!) but does this ever happen in "real life"? Does the moon look larger in certain countries/conditions/times of year?
2006-10-13 05:06:17 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Yes, the moon can appear larger at times and smaller at others. The orbit of the moon is slightly eliptical. This means that the moon is not the same distance from the Earth at all times. Just a few days ago, the moon was at its perigee, meaning it was at its closest point, and the moon was full. So, on that night, the moon appeared larger than most nights. The Earth's orbit around the sun is slightly eliptical also. Ironically, we are at our perigee in December, one of the coldest months in the northern hemisphere. Incidentally, the moon is moving away from us, slowly. I think the statistic is about 5 feet per year.
Now, as for the movies, we all know that just because you see it in movies doesn't make it real. The large moon is probably just for dramatic effects.
2006-10-13 09:18:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, it doesn't happen. The moon's orbit is slightly elliptical, so that it does appear slightly larger at some times versus other times, and due to various illusions can seem a little bigger near the horizon than higher in the sky.
You can get the effect on film in different ways; the simplest way is to use a telephoto lens.
2006-10-13 05:10:21 · answer #2 · answered by Zhimbo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The moon appears the largest when you are standing on it. But I'm sure that's not the answer you are looking for. Technically our view of the moon should not change in visual size. However, different atmospheric factors could make the moon appear larger/smaller. These atmospheric changes cannot be predicted with any great accurracy.
2006-10-13 07:25:42 · answer #3 · answered by Telesto 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its caused by the camera. Stand farther away from the couple, so they appear smaller relative to the moon, then zoom in with the lens.
2006-10-13 05:14:42 · answer #4 · answered by Kutekymmee 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The films use lenses to make it lok so huge. Its camera magic.
Always looks large when full and on the horizon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_illusion
2006-10-13 06:26:42 · answer #5 · answered by CJunk 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's larger at dusk
2006-10-13 06:16:14 · answer #6 · answered by Krissy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋