The moon appears smaller when it is overhead than when it is near the horizon because
A) there is a lack of depth cues when the moon is overhead.
B) the moon's appearance is magnified by the atmosphere.
C) retinal disparity creates the stereoscopic pictorial cue.
D) there are too many depth cues present.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the moon is overhead, there are no objects in the foreground or background to provide depth cues, making it appear smaller. When the moon is near the horizon, it is viewed through more of Earth's atmosphere, which bends light and makes objects appear larger. However, this atmospheric magnification is not the primary reason for the moon appearing larger near the horizon.

The Moon Appears Smaller When It Is Overhead Than When