Few would argue that the Moon is more wondrous and enchanting than when it is near the horizon, appearing closer and looming larger than when it is high in the sky. But this is an illusion-the "Moon Illusion," to be precise: the distance traveled by light reflected from the moon to the eye of an observer is essentially the same regardless of the Moon's elevation. A similar illusion is observed for the setting sun and for celestial distances between star points at different elevations.
Few would argue that the Moon is more wondrous and enchanting than when it is near the horizon, appearing closer and looming larger than when it is high in the sky. But this is an illusion-the "Moon Illusion," to be precise: the distance traveled by light reflected from the moon to the eye of an observer is essentially the same regardless of the Moon's elevation. A similar illusion is observed for the setting sun and for celestial distances between star points at different elevations.