Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Simulated on 30/07/2007 03:06:34

Title: Harvest Moon!
Post by: Simulated on 30/07/2007 03:06:34

What causes the harvest moon? We currently have one of them and I just thought I would post this. Isn't it something with gases in the air?

Other Moon things. What causes the moon to get bigger? (well appear bigger). I once saw the moon (no really lol), and it was HUGE and BLOOD RED. What caused that?

Face on the moon. I know they are craters, but what causes them to appers some nights and not others? It seems like EVERY Halloween it is out.

Thanks! Sim!

Title: Harvest Moon!
Post by: neilep on 30/07/2007 03:10:45

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv280%2Fwithdrawnmist%2Forangemoon2.jpg&hash=447b9fbf247b68193a2f00ed06e521ed)


it's a thing of beauty is it not ?

Title: Harvest Moon!
Post by: neilep on 30/07/2007 03:11:56

I actually asked the same question one day less than three years ago....i won't post the link...cos lets get some fresh answers......

Title: Harvest Moon!
Post by: Simulated on 30/07/2007 03:21:38

Sorry Neil! LoL.

Title: Harvest Moon!
Post by: JP on 30/07/2007 03:29:08

Quote from: Simulated on 30/07/2007 03:06:34

Other Moon things. What causes the moon to get bigger? (well appear bigger). I once saw the moon (no really lol), and it was HUGE and BLOOD RED. What caused that?

I asked a friend of mine who's an astronomer about this.  He said that it's a psychological effect.  The moon is always the same size in the sky, but when it's somewhere near the horizon it looks larger because your mind can compare it to objects you're familiar with (trees, buildings, etc.).

There's a few other possible explanations here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_illusion .

The redness appears because of the way the atmosphere scatters light when the object is on the horizon.  It should be the same effect that causes a sunset to appear red.

Title: Harvest Moon!
Post by: Simulated on 30/07/2007 15:28:54

That could be it. We were just sitting outside by the corn feilds. Huh that's sweet! Thanks!!