Is The Moon Bigger On The Horizon?

How big is the Moon?

Have you ever noticed the Moon when it is just rising over the horizon? Why does it seem so much bigger?

This is a phenomenon that has puzzled people for thousands of years.

When you think of the Moon in the night sky you may think of it as being huge, but it is in fact about as big as your little finger nail held at arms length.

Not very big at all.

So what makes it seem so much bigger on the horizon?

It may be because its size can be compared with other objects on the horizon, trees and houses.

It could be because you have a sense of distance when it is near the horizon.

Or it may be an optical illusion caused by refracted light.

But that is all it is, an optical illusion. If you measure the moons size when it is near the horizon, and then when it is higher up you will find that it is in fact exactly the same size.

And sorry, but there really is no excuse as to why it seems bigger. It is just one of those eternal mysteries.

For more intriguing facts about the universe, check out our other videos here on videojug.