astromomy the big red moon last year

[janetiqua]

Last year there was an event causing the moon to look much larger than usual (an optical illusion) as it was setting it was also rather red in colour. I've forgotten the date of this occurence. Anybody know? I photographed it, but didn't log the actual date, silly me! Thank you in anticipation

[JustSia]

Oh yeah, I remember. Doesn't that happen like very 70 or so years? Anyhow, I can't tell you the exect date but am pretty certain it was either 21 or 22 of June. Hope it might help others to remember the event better. Or you could check the astonomy calendars for that period.

S.

[heathfield]

This effect is quite normal, and is most often associated with the rising of the full moon in August - hence the term "August Moon". The red colour is caused by dust in the air, which would be more common at the end of a hot, dry summer. If you're looking at the rising or setting moon, you're seeing it through a pronounced curve in the Earth's atmosphere. This acts as a lens, magnifying the image. As the moon rises higher, this effect disappears.

On a clear night, look at the moon through binoculars as it rises or sets against a far distant horizon of trees or houses. Doing this, you'll be amazed at how big it can seem.

[matt_london]

<PRE>" The atmosphere acts as a lens causing the moon to look bigger? " Are you sure about that? I've never heard that before. I always believed it was because when it is on the horizon there are more objects to reference its size against, ie trees, hills, houses etc. </PRE>

[CT]

Indeed it is not a lens effect. It is an optical illusion created by your eyes. It seems bigger due to reference point on the horizon. When higher in the sky there are no such refences and appearsmore normal sized. This effect can be countered by looking at the moon upside down. Try it. (This works any time the moon is near to the horizon and appears larger than normal)

[janetiqua]

Hi all

Thanks for the answers. Heathfield, I shot the pic as the moon was setting,although I appreciate what you say. Could anybody tell me the date when it happened in 2005, all i remember is that there was a big fuss in the media, perhaps I should search for the answer in the newspaper archives. Sorry I'm talking to myself now.

Thanks for all your help.

J

[JustSia]

22nd of June

S.