Posts

Showing posts with the label illusion

Why does the moon and clouds seem to follow you?

Image
Have  you ever noticed , especially when you  are  in a moving car, that the moon seems  to follow you? The moon is so distant compared to earthly objects around you. It appears to follow along on your journey. When we move in a car, our brains automatically compare the distant moon and stars to the part of the  view that is nearest to us,  sweeping past. Meanwhile, because the moon and stars are so far away, they seem to stay in one spot. And it can seem like  these objects in space are moving right along with you. When the car moves 200 feet forward, the  relative angle between the direction of motion and the moon   remains  the same, The distance between you and the moon is about a quarter million miles. Any distance you travel by car on Earth is small in comparison. So, when  you move in a car, no   matter which angle you  view the moon from , it appears  to remain in the same place,  following you ! A  harvest moon [6]   This illusion is due to:   The moon is so far away from Eart