Is it total atmospheric effect or is there any distance related phenomenon which makes this visual so different? And why is it only some of the time? I'm assuming it's like a big magnifying glass when its closer to the Horizon but why not the same effect in the middle of the daytime (or with the moon nighttime) sky?
2007-02-02 05:29:36 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The term optical illusion really isn't correct, as that implies that the apparant size is actually larger. The best way to describe it is as a trick of the mind.
As far as the color though, this is a real thing. The reason why the sun and moon appear ruddy or reddish near the horizon is because the light from them is travelling through much more atmosphere to get to you. Our atmosphere scatters blue light (which is why the sky is blue), so by the time the light gets to you from the sun/moon on the horizon, much of the bluer light has been scattered off and you're seeing what's left, which is reddish.
2007-02-02 08:31:40 · answer #1 · answered by Arkalius 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is an optical illusion. Things look bigger on the horizon to our eyes, including buildings and trees and everything. The illusion goes away if you look at the horizon upside down. Try that some time! Bend over or lay down or even stand on your head, and distant objects on the horizon, including the Sun and Moon, will look much smaller.
2007-02-02 13:57:19 · answer #2 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its an optical illusion, the lens of the eye adjusts to the distance. Youll study all of that going to college. Its hard to explain without images.
2007-02-02 13:55:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋