2007-03-25 05:59:58 · 13 answers · asked by Kiki R 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
MathandHistoryGuy is correct
A Friend of Bill W's in incorrect
Both the Sun and the Moon appear Larger when close to the horizon but smaller when fully in the Sky.
This is NOT a magnification by the atmosphere as AFriend.. Suggests (And many popularly believe)
The Sun/Moon is no more bigger on the horizon than it is in the sky. This is only an optical illusion as MathandHistoryGuy suggests. When an Object is isolated without reference it appears smaller (Such as when the Sun/Moon is high in the Sky) When the Object is low and has the Horizon as a point of reference it appears larger.
If you were to measure the angular diameter of the Sun or Moon at both low on the horizon and high in the Sky you will find the diameter to be exactly the same.
The only effect the Atmosphere has on the Appearance is the color. Since the Light has to penetrate a much great thinckness of Air when low on the horizon, the shorter wavelengths are absorbed leaving only the longer red wavelengths to penetrate. Also the Light is bent around the horizon. The rate of the sun setting seems to slow down then speed back up. when you see the sun on the horizon, Physically the sun is already below the horizon. but light is bent over the curvature of the Earth.
But the atmosphere does NOT magnify it. This is a Myth.
2007-03-25 08:07:07 · answer #1 · answered by CG-23 Sailor 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pure optical illusion. For whatever reason the moon on the horizon appears to the human eye and brain bigger then when its isolated in the sky. You can actually take a ruler and measure this to be certain.
2007-03-25 06:03:23 · answer #2 · answered by MathNHistoryGuy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When the moon rises low over the horizon, the atmosphere acts like a magnifying glass and enlarges it. As the moon rises in the sky, this effect is lost.
2007-03-25 06:04:02 · answer #3 · answered by A friend of Bill W 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's actually an optical illusion.When the Moon is closer to the horizon then it would seem bigger.
2007-03-25 06:30:14 · answer #4 · answered by hkyboy96 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the rotation of earth itself and rotation of earth on the galaxy path.
2007-03-25 06:03:10 · answer #5 · answered by chinoise_my 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
cuz earth and moon are constantly moving and moving away from you or where you are standing. its called rotation...in orbit.
2007-03-25 06:03:56 · answer #6 · answered by babytalk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atmospheric distortion and polutants.
Trust me, there is nothing wrong with you.
2007-03-25 06:12:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yeah nobody cares
2007-03-25 06:04:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
because u have sight problems
2007-03-25 06:02:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
who cares
2007-03-25 06:02:09 · answer #10 · answered by X-krazee-X 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋