The Giant Moon Illusion

The moon isn’t actually bigger in winter — but your brain swears it is.

This illusion is so strong it’s fooled humans for thousands of years. Your brain compares

the moon to objects on the horizon — trees, houses, mountains — making it

look larger. It’s like holding a coin near your face — then near the floor.

Same coin, but it “ looks” different. Winter makes the illusion stronger because

the moon rises lower on the horizon. And clear winter air sharpens the

moon’s edges, increasing the effect. Your pupils also dilate more in cold,

dark evenings — making bright objects feel larger. So the winter “ giant moon” comes