The full Moon of June 18th is a “solstice moon”, coming only two days before the beginning of northern summer. This week’s high solstice sun gives us a low, horizon-hugging Moon and a strong Moon Illusion. Low-hanging moons look unnaturally big. At first, astronomers thought the atmosphere must be magnifying the Moon near the horizon, but cameras showed that is not the case. Moons on film are the same size regardless of elevation: example. Apparently, only human beings see giant moons.
The above is according to NASA. To my human eyes tonight’s moon, the night before full, was not that impressive, but it might have been more so if I’d been in a position to see it really low on the horizon.
Comments (6)
Nice…makes me think of the "Moonstruck" moon.
Most excellent!
The effect is supposed to be at its peak tonight. It really wasn’t that impressive last night. Look for the moon to rise above the building around 9:30 tonight in NYC.
All I can say is a long string of Os. Ooooooooooooooo! That barely-perceptible silhouette of the building in front is masterful. The moon is cool, don’t get me wrong, but I’m diggin’ on that shadowy facade.
Yeah, I wanted to keep the levels low to reveal the most detail on the moon, but I think on some monitors the rest only shows up as black. Glad you like it Meadaura.
Nice! That’s a big ol’ moon…