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Why does the Moon appear larger when it's on the horizon compared to when it's high in the sky?

Despite over 2000 years of scientific inquiry dating back to Aristotle, there is still no definitive consensus on why the Moon appears larger on the horizon. Various theories have been proposed, including the Ponzo illusion and atmospheric effects, but none fully explain this optical phenomenon. Scientists understand that the Moon is not actually closer to Earth when it's on the horizon, yet our perception consistently makes it seem larger. This remains an active area of research as scientists continue investigating the complex interplay between atmospheric conditions and human visual perception to solve this enduring mystery.

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01:19

From

The Ongoing Quest for Answers About the Moon's Size

NASA·7 months ago

Answered in this video

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00:17

Why does the Moon appear larger when it's on the horizon?

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00:13

Why does the Moon appear larger when it's on the horizon?

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00:29

What is one popular theory that explains why the Moon appears larger on the horizon?

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