2007-05-15 21:16:33 · 4 answers · asked by das a 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
The sun always the same size. It just your imagination.
2007-05-16 02:08:30 · answer #1 · answered by jason 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard the optical illusion explanation for the moon as well but I don't buy it.
I suspect it has something to do with the distance the light travels through the earths atmosphere. Although the boundary of the atmosphere is considered to be about 120 km 2/3 of the atmosphere is below 11 km.
When the sun is setting you are looking through hundreds of kilometers. I suspect there is some magnification through the additional atmosphere which also contributes to color change and allows us to look at it without becoming blind.
2007-05-16 04:41:24 · answer #2 · answered by Caretaker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well in my college astronomy class this question came up, and the professor said the size doesn't change, its just an optical illusion because you have a terrestrial reference point at sunrise and sunset, as well as more atmospheric distortion.
2007-05-15 21:30:45 · answer #3 · answered by Benjamman 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is an optical illusion and I cannot remember the explanation for it since it has been a few years since I heard it.
2007-05-15 21:29:22 · answer #4 · answered by Hawaii808 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋