Why does the moon look close some nights and far away on other nights?

[Admin]

One summer evening when I was a child, I remember being mystified and then startled at a huge round shape slowly creeping up behind my friend Nancy’s house, which sat on a hill on the other side of our village.

Why does the moon look close some nights and far away on other nights? : Read more

 

[Helio]

Nice explanation of something still more mystery than fact. There is a dome explanation as well.

I think it’s not a single variable effect. The Moon is far dimmer when near the horizon, thus easier on the eyes, and perhaps with greater pupil dilation, improving resolution, perhaps.