Overview
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered why the moon appears lower than usual? There are several factors that can contribute to this phenomenon, ranging from the position of the moon in its orbit to the Earth’s atmosphere.
Moon’s Orbit
The moon’s orbit around the Earth is not a perfect circle, but rather an ellipse. This means that there are times when the moon is closer to the Earth, known as perigee, and times when it is farther away, known as apogee. When the moon is at perigee, it can appear larger and lower in the sky.
Earth’s Tilt
Another factor that can affect the moon’s position in the sky is the tilt of the Earth. The Earth is tilted on its axis, which causes the moon to appear higher or lower in the sky depending on the time of year. During certain seasons, the moon may appear lower than usual due to the Earth’s tilt.
Atmospheric Conditions
The Earth’s atmosphere can also play a role in making the moon appear lower in the sky. When the moon is near the horizon, it passes through more of the Earth’s atmosphere, which can cause it to look larger and lower. This effect is known as the moon illusion.
Examples
- During a supermoon, when the moon is at perigee, it can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual, making it appear lower in the sky.
- In certain locations, such as near the equator, the moon can appear lower in the sky due to the Earth’s tilt and the angle at which it is viewed.
Case Studies
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that the moon illusion is more pronounced when the moon is near the horizon, leading to the perception that it is lower in the sky.
Statistics
According to a survey conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 65% of respondents reported noticing that the moon appears lower in the sky at certain times.
