Big summer moon this week. Have a look if you can.

[swag]

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/20jun_moonillusion.htm

The lowest-hanging full moon in 18 years is going to play tricks on you this week.

. . .

This week's full moon hangs lower in the sky than any full moon since June 1987, so the Moon Illusion is going to be extra strong.

What makes the moon so low? It's summer. Remember, the sun and the full Moon are on opposite sides of the sky. During summer the sun is high, which means the full moon must be low. This week’s full moon occurs on June 22nd, barely a day after the summer solstice on June 21st--perfect timing for the Moon Illusion.

When you look at the moon, rays of moonlight converge and form an image about 0.15 mm wide in the back of your eye. High moons and low moons make the same sized spot. So why does your brain think one is bigger than the other? After all these years, scientists still aren't sure why.
. . .

[GOPBasher]

1. Pretty cool.

:bounce:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Great article, Swag...

Thanks for posting it and the link! I'm a genuine lunatic on this subject...

[swag]

6. I'm sure you are, muffin.

Happy viewing down there.

[redqueen]

3. Neato

Thanks for posting this... interesting stuff!

[Papillon]

4. Thanks for posting this.

I love full moons, and that Seattle photo is exactly the view of the moon I'll be watching on Wednesday.

[swag]

7. Cool.

What neighborhood do you live in?

[Misunderestimator]

5. That's fascinating!

[swag]

9. I hope you get a good look, Mis.

And that that post by the guy who didn't like his first pride parade doesn't gloom you out too much.

[Misunderestimator]

10. Yeah... that did cast a bit of a gloom over me...

I will be sure to enjoy the moon this week though. :hi:

[mark414]

8. awesome

thanks :thumbsup:

[Sugar Smack]

11. Ohhhhhh, thank you for the heads up.

It may be a crazier night than most. And only 2 days away!!!

:bounce:

[Jara sang]

12. Thanks for the heads up.

I thought the moon was looking bigger than usual.