The Natural Moon Illusion: A Multifactor Angular Account

Abstract

It is argued that the failure to explain the celestial illusion results from conceptual confusion about perceived size and from disregard of the observational evidence relating to the natural moon illusion. The evidence shows that the illusion consists of a perceived angular size enlargement of horizon objects, by a factor of about 1.5–2.0 in diameter in comparison with elevated objects. Most measurements of the illusion have been made in terms of angular size, although in some proposed explanations an illusion of linear size is assumed. The magnitude of the illusion varies, particularly with the detail of the horizon scene. The illusion can be explained as the sum of several factors that affect perceived angular size: size contrast, vergence commands and eye or head position, aerial perspective, and colour. The relative contributions of these factors are assessed.