A partial lunar eclipse about to take place will appear magnified in the US by an effect known as the "moon illusion".
The eclipse will begin 1017 GMT when the Moon enters the shadow of Earth.
Because of the timing, it will not be visible from the UK or Europe.
But in many parts of the US and Canada, the eclipse will appear larger because it occurs while the Moon is so close to the horizon.
According to Nasa, low-hanging Moons look "unnaturally large when they beam through trees, buildings and other foreground objects". The reason for this is not understood.
"Observers in India, Japan, and parts of East Asia will experience the same phenomenon," Nasa wrote on its website.
"They'll see the eclipse on Saturday evening as the Moon is rising."
At its maximum, 54% of the Moon's diameter will be covered. This will occur at 0438 US pacific time (1138 GMT) - the event will last almost three hours.
Because the Moon, Sun and Earth are not aligned, it will not reach "totality".
via BBC News - Lunar eclipse 'magnified' in US.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Saturday Lunar eclipse 'magnified' in US
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2 comments:
The reason why the moon looks larger is not understood? I thought it was common knowledge that the moon looks bigger when lower because there is usually an immediate object to compare its size to. ?
Neat. Thanks.
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