<p>No, it's an illusion. Probably the ancient one. Simple experiment you can do is, set grid on telescope, measure the angle subtended when moon is at horizon and when moon is atop. You will see angle subtended by moon is same, hence the size are same. It's merely an illusion.</p>

<p>For more details:
<a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_illusion" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_illusion</a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-07-20T02:33:26.647Z
PS: And same goes for other celestial Bodies.
Kartik Chhajed
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-23T12:57:23.873Z
PS: Or it could be beaver moon.
Kartik Chhajed
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-07-20T02:32:31.060Z
2018-07-20T02:32:31.060Z
Kartik Chhajed
<p>Whether it be the moon (especially when full) or tonight, as Mars is closer than it has been in decades, it appears that these bodies are larger when close to the horizon than overhead.</p>

<p>Is this an optical illusion (i.e. the actual appearance is no larger), or is there some refraction or other effect that actually makes the appearance larger? </p>

<the-moon><size><terrestrial-planets>
Do celestial bodies actually appear larger along the horizon?
Jason P Sallinger
# Do celestial bodies actually appear larger along the horizon?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-07-20)

Whether it be the moon (especially when full) or tonight, as Mars is closer than it has been in decades, it appears that these bodies are larger when close to the horizon than overhead.

Is this an optical illusion (i.e. the actual appearance is no larger), or is there some refraction or other effect that actually makes the appearance larger?

**Tags:** the-moon, size, terrestrial-planets


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2018-07-20. Score: 3 | Accepted answer

No, it's an illusion. Probably the ancient one. Simple experiment you can do is, set grid on telescope, measure the angle subtended when moon is at horizon and when moon is atop. You will see angle subtended by moon is same, hence the size are same. It's merely an illusion.

For more details:
<https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_illusion>

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: PS: And same goes for other celestial Bodies.  
> **username_1**: PS: Or it could be beaver moon.  

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