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Explaining the moon illusion.

L Kaufman1, J H Kaufman

  • 1Psychology Department, Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, NY 11548-1309, USA. lkaufma@optonline.net

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|January 5, 2000
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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The horizon moon appears larger because we perceive it as farther away, supporting older explanations of the moon illusion. This challenges newer theories that suggest perceived size influences distance perception.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Vision Science
  • Perceptual Psychology

Background:

  • The moon illusion describes the phenomenon where the moon appears larger near the horizon than when overhead.
  • Existing explanations involve perceived distance cues and geometric stereopsis, leading to conflicting hypotheses about size-distance relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the perceptual distance of the horizon moon versus the elevated moon.
  • To test competing hypotheses regarding the moon illusion and its relationship with size and distance perception.

Main Methods:

  • Experiments were conducted using artificial moons to manipulate perceived distance and angular size.
  • Participants' perceptions of the artificial moons' size and distance were recorded.

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Main Results:

  • Experimental results confirmed that the horizon moon is perceived as being at a greater distance.
  • When an object of constant angular size was moved closer, it was perceived as smaller, aligning with the older explanation.

Conclusions:

  • The horizon moon is perceived as larger due to the visual system treating it as more distant.
  • Recent theories suggesting perceived size influences distance perception are questioned, as they imply perceptions cause perceptions.