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News & Resources > General > The moon illusion - why does it look so much bigger on the horizon?

The moon illusion - why does it look so much bigger on the horizon?

Challenge your children to think differently about the things they see...are they really seeing things right or is it all an illusion?
26 Jul 2016
General
Is it actually bigger when it's on the horizon
Is it actually bigger when it's on the horizon

Have you noticed how the full moon looks bigger on the horizon than high overhead? Actually, the two images are exactly the same size -- so why do we perceive them differently? Scientists aren't sure, but there are plenty of intriguing theories. Andrew Vanden Heuvel unravels the details of focus, distance and proportion that contribute to this mystifying optical illusion.

Originally published on TEDed:

 

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