2007-03-25 20:59:50 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Take normal 30 cm ruler and hold it up towards the moon (full moon) on a cloudless night. Try measure the diameter of the moon with it when it is on the horizon. Then, few hours later, measure it again when the moon is high up in the sky. Try keep your ruler steady, because it is a little tricky. You will find that both readings are exactly the same!
2007-03-25 21:27:05 · answer #1 · answered by The Desert Bird 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has NOTHING to do with the refraction of the lights rays and everything to do with being an optical illusion.
When the moon is near the horizion you can use items for references like trees, buildings etc...
when it is directly above you (ie in the sky) you do not have anything to reference it with.
It is the same size. You can measure it and see for yourself.
2007-03-25 23:32:14 · answer #2 · answered by Adorabilly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it really is an optical phantasm that applies to both the Moon and the sunlight. that's certainly slightly smaller on the fringe of the horizon than quickly over the meridian, besides the indisputable fact that it does seem more effective close to the horizon. One common rationalization is that by way of the indisputable fact that's on the fringe of different gadgets (timber, homes, hills) we are used to seeing, we % it to be more effective.
2016-12-02 20:08:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its purely due to refraction of the light rays.
refraction is greatest when moon on or near horizon while nil when moon overhead.
bye.
2007-03-25 21:24:52 · answer #4 · answered by sweet tooth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Due to refraction of the rays from moon..
2007-03-25 23:53:23 · answer #5 · answered by Omkar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's an illusion caused by the fact that you have objects to reference it against.
2007-03-25 21:08:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋