Why does the moon appear larger at the horizon than when it is higher in the sky?
A)The atmosphere acts like a magnifying glass.
B)It is an optical illusion.
C)Certain colors of light travel faster than others.
D)The moon actually is closer to Earth when it is at the horizon.

Question

Why does the moon appear larger at the horizon than when it is higher in the sky?​
A)The atmosphere acts like a magnifying glass.
B)​It is an optical illusion.
C)​Certain colors of light travel faster than others.
D)​The moon actually is closer to Earth when it is at the horizon.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an optical illusion called the Moon Illusion. When the moon is at the horizon, our brain is comparing its size to familiar objects like buildings or trees, making it appear larger. However, when the moon is higher in the sky, there are no nearby objects to compare its size to, so it appears smaller.

Why Does the Moon Appear Larger at the Horizon Than