2007-09-28 17:36:30 · 8 answers · asked by aim w 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
No one knows. There are a few ideas floating around though. I would refer you to the site below. It was suggested by an astronomer, so I would guess that it's at least plausible
2007-09-28 17:48:07 · answer #1 · answered by MistWing 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There's not been any verifiable answer as to what causes this illusion (though it also applies to the sun or any heavenly object.) There are a few theories; one of the most common theories is the idea that the moon appears larger near the horizon because when seen next to objects on the ground, we can make judgments about its size and distance by relative comparison. The ability to make such comparisons is absent when the moon is in the middle of the sky above us, so when we look up, the moon seems a small, distant point in a large empty canvas.
The theory isn't universally accepted.
There's an interesting article on some of the different theories, which I'll link to below.
Wikipedia has an entry but it doesn't have much information. I'll link it anyway, though, since it does have a few interesting links to further theories and criticisms about the theories.
2007-09-28 18:18:45 · answer #2 · answered by raindreamer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The heat of the earth's surface gives you the illusion it is huge. Not to mention the trees, and mountains. Things you can really compare it to. But it is not bigger.
Put a paper next to the moon and mark the top and bottom (to line marks) on the paper. Then come back at midnight when the moon is higher and place the paper next to the moon, next to the marks. The moon remains the same size....
2007-09-28 18:06:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not "lensing" caused by the atmosphere. If that was the case, then it actually would be bigger near the horizon. It isn't. If you could take a measurement of its angular size, you'd see it was the same in all parts of the sky.
Nor is it the "comparison" effect.
This site offers the best explanation so far. But, like many thngs in science, it may also be superseded.
http://facstaff.uww.edu/mccreadd/
2007-09-29 01:30:34 · answer #4 · answered by Choose a bloody best answer. It's not hard. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It eats dinner around that time.
2007-09-29 11:00:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because the atmosphere acts as a lens. In fact, it's called 'atmospheric lensing'.
Doug
2007-09-28 17:46:44 · answer #6 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
because it is falling in. the skies are very low these days. do u notice?
2007-09-28 18:51:46 · answer #7 · answered by quasar 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
it is a circle and that thing
2007-09-28 17:49:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋