Skip to main content

The moon illusion - Andrew Vanden Heuvel

781,697 Views

12,053 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Have you noticed how the full moon looks bigger on the horizon than high overhead? Actually, the two images are exactly the same size -- so why do we perceive them differently? Scientists aren't sure, but there are plenty of intriguing theories. Andrew Vanden Heuvel unravels the details of focus, distance and proportion that contribute to this mystifying optical illusion.

What are two experiments that you can perform to test the explanations offered in this video?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Andrew Vanden Heuvel
  • Director Tolga Yıldız, Serin İnan
  • Artist Evren Rodoplu, Hakan Taskiran
  • Narrator Michelle Snow

More from Out Of This World