2007-08-29 12:23:13 · 10 answers · asked by ol_skater_boy 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
We know that the Moon Illusion is NOT caused by comparing the moon to nearby familiar objects, for if you stand on your head while looking at the moon on the horizon, it is still next to the same objects but appears normal sized. The horizon Moon also does not appear big in photographs.
We know that the moon is NOT magnified by the atmosphere. If you actually perform a measurement of the Moon's size with an angular measuring instrument (such as your outstretched thumbnail) then you will find that it is actually slightly *smaller* on average when on the horizon (because it is further away).
It can only have something to do with the way the brain processes visual information, but the reasons for it are not completely understood.
2007-08-29 13:55:32 · answer #1 · answered by ZikZak 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
None of these reasons is conclusive, and the one about being magnified by the atmosphere is definitely not the case, because the angular size of the moon close to the horizon is the same as when it's in the sky.
Strange that science can't explain a simple optical illusion!
Here's a new take, but this one may well turn out to be as inconclusive as the others.
http://facstaff.uww.edu/mccreadd/
2007-08-29 13:56:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The moon simply appears larger when near the horizon because of the human psyche. Our (human) brain has been pre- wired to automatically infer distance- to- size ratios, creating a built- in rangefinder (though sometimes faulty). The Moon (or, the Sun, for that matter), are actually the same apparent angular dimension in our sky at rise or set.
2007-08-29 12:39:37 · answer #3 · answered by Bobby 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it is tough to have faith, however the moon is strictly the comparable length while it is close to the horizon as while it is overhead. as quickly as we seem at gadgets we are using our eyes which of course are related to a suggestions, meaning that how we view the international around us is subjective extremely than purpose. while the moon is close to the horizon, there may well be homes or possibly wood in the comparable line of sight, this makes the moon seem greater in angular diameter than while greater in the sky, as there are no longer any land based gadgets to evaluate with the moon while it is further up in the sky. Dr R. Loader
2016-12-12 14:12:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Moon illusion
2007-08-29 15:42:19 · answer #5 · answered by Pwnguin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it is low in the sky, moonlight passes through more of our atmosphere, hence it looks dimmer. Also it passes through a segment of pronounced curvature. This forms a natural telescope which magnifies it.
Draw two concentric circles one slightly larger. At any point on the inner circle draw a half tangent and a line perpendicular to this going away from the center. the inner circle is the earth, the outer its atmospheric boundary. Ask yourself which line passes through a larger and more curved amount of atmosphere.
2007-08-29 12:47:02 · answer #6 · answered by adrian r 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The curvature of the earth cause's a refraction which causes the moon to appear larger when it is lower int the sky.
2007-08-29 13:57:41 · answer #7 · answered by Big_Hutch 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
This is a famous question. It is called the moon illusion.
2007-08-29 12:32:55 · answer #8 · answered by Renaissance Man 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because you have a reference point on the ground ie a tree or building that is in your line of sight as a comparison. When it is higher in the sky you have no guide ie the sky is big!! - again that is the simple explination, there may be something more scietific...
2007-08-29 12:30:13 · answer #9 · answered by Tony 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Hi. At, or near, the horizon you have objects which you are familiar with to mentally compare the size. It look enormous near a house for instance.
2007-08-29 12:37:56 · answer #10 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋