Do objects really get a larger apparent size at the horizon? I guess there might be a small magnification effect from the additional atmosphere and angle?
The moon looks absolutely monstrous here, but, I expect that if I had measured it when it was high up in the sky, the actual apparent size wouldn't have been any different.
Possible explanations have only appeared in recent years. It looks like by trying to make an adjustment your brain gives you a distorted image. Truly amazing.
Ah, so as I thought. There is no difference in apparent size.
>A simple way of demonstrating that the effect is an illusion is to hold a small object (say, 1/4 inch wide) at arm's length (25 inches) with one eye closed, positioning it next to the seemingly large Moon. When the Moon is higher in the sky, positioning the same object near the Moon reveals that there is no change in size.
Yes. Not just the moon, but constellations as well. Maybe other things. There's no consensus on why. Refraction is one idea. Another is its the way our brains process the information from our eyes.
Brain processing shouldn't affect apparent size. Apparent size can be measured easily. I'd guess the difference in apparent size between something at zenith and on the horizon is less than a percent.
I've been getting the moon in perfect view from my kitchen window for the last several evenings. It gets great framing from the treelines on the local hills and the walls of nearby buildings. I think the framing helps you to focus on the moon (it's relatively bright compared to the rest of the scene) and appreciate the detail (some of which you can actually see with decent human vision). You are also seeing it right next to objects that you have more familiarity with their size, which helps you to appreciate the scale of the object.
Here's an example I shot two full moons ago: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aaronbrethorst/20189872605/in/...
The moon looks absolutely monstrous here, but, I expect that if I had measured it when it was high up in the sky, the actual apparent size wouldn't have been any different.