Why does the Moon look bigger near the horizon?

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Why does the moon look so much bigger when it is at the horizon level compared to when it is directly overhead?

95 Answers

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Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this topic and episode, please show your interest. Thank you for your interest in science! — Andrew
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Thx for your work most of your interviews turn out to be solid corner stones of my understanding in retrospect
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Interesting that your degrees, Doctor, are based on "I am," and "I see." Namaste!
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I love this reorganization of the intro
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No like from me, sorry.
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Andrew I will be forever indebted to you, it's you who made science so interesting that a backbencher like me got myself enrolled in neuroscience & psychology course 3 years ago, successfully completed it along with using it to acquire expertise in multiple subjects. Thank you sir... wish to meet you someday love from India.
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Andrew, I am a faithful reader. This was the 2nd time I’ve encountered this character in a discussion. I admire his intentions wholeheartedly- however, there’s evidence of truth in the stars and their relationship to when you are born. I’d like to see a contrast viewpoint to this gentleman’s perspective on discrediting Astrology. Consider Debra Silverman who wrote the book: 'I Don’t Believe In Astrology' Her formal education is in Psychology! I think you’ll find something here.
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I to found god through testing the law of attraction which led me to become a hypnotherapist, I then tested the subconscious on its healing ability which sent me on a hero's journey saving my mums life from attempted sucide outting a over medicating of a black label drug haloperidol 30mg oral a day for over 12 yrs which damaged her with constant urinary retention and dillrum my mum suffers Sctizphreina, my nan went through the holocaust children of holocaust survivors are 4 times more likely to suffer scitzphreina, I have adhd , I've been battling since 2021 when she tried to take her own life , the ward she was on that tried to push a high dosage back on her is now closed and the consultant gone , my mum is off haloperidol fully and is herself well the best she can be at 70 yrs old , she has logic reasoning empathy it's very surreal, I didn't do it alone win fight systems alone god was with me I found god to in testing the science of law of attraction and the subconscious minds healing ability, I can't explain I just know everything was there as I needed it . And now there's massive investigation in the system changing the way they use that drug for ever probably protecting many others , is it conspiracy no I just think some drs don't move with the times and that's what's dangerous drs with fixed beliefs
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Brian, I woke up in the middle of the night with this podcast playing. Thank you
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Hi, interesting conversation, thank you for providing. However i must say that the guest's answer regarding women's cycles and the moon was disappointing. Perhaps not the right person to ask, as Dr Keating is a physicist, not a biologist or an Obgyn. Besides, he presumably does not have ovaries on which he could have spoken from experience. There are several studies showing a relation between menstruation and the moon. It is in itself a fascinating topic, as the relation between new or more rarely full moon and women's bleeding seem to vary depending on the seasons, location to the equator, and environmental factors such as heavy electric lighting at night in urban areas.
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by (284k points)
Just finished reading this content and I’m blown away. Andrew and the whole SciComm Media team are light-years ahead of the competition. The depth of knowledge, curiosity and ability to connect science to real life is unparalleled. Grateful for the chance to explore the universe of ideas together. This conversation left me inspired—hope it does the same for you. AD ASTRA - To The Stars!
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Ad Astra Abyssosque!
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Just finished reading your own episode?
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 Yeah I'm confused too lol
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’s value in that reflective experience. Checking for sustains and improves. It’s a good opportunity for self/situational/professional awareness
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Man was blown away by himself
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Pls drink ag1 to get extra push
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where is this $50 device you promised, i would like to look at the moons
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by (284k points)
Andrew, I appreciate the way you structure your questions and the long format of them so that your guests can appropriately elaborate. I can understand that it frustrates some of the listeners, but it also is quite insightful to many of us. Thank you for your thoughtful questions.
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I agree...I like the questions. Just amazing to be able to learn about all these different things!
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by (284k points)
I had 8 hours of classes today, and now I will read 3 hours of this podcast.
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Enjoy
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by (284k points)
This was a great podcast for someone who isn't really into astronomy or space. I only clicked to read this as my dad is obsessed with space and I hoped this would help me understand more of what he is talking about. It was a fascinating read that was easy to understand and light-hearted. Dr. Keating's excitement is infectious and I am now keen to buy my dad a telescope so we can have some dad and daughter time star gazing together.
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Just when I thought "how the hell is he going to better the Dad-Son episode" you blew me away with subsequent ones but especially with this one. I search out for stimulating conversations. When I'm not a participant in one I do enjoy reading one. DUDE, KEEP IT COMING. I'm a Huberman + Other protocol guy who needs his brain to ponder everything. As a Biology and Physics student and aficionado I thoroughly enjoy your podcasts. Keating and Huberman, WOW, WOW, WOW! Thank you for all you do!!!!! I hope to bump into you one of these days. LOVE and Punk Rock forever!
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love to hear this!
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by (284k points)
Love this! I just have to add that I study and practice astrology, and it’s been such an incredible tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and understanding my relationships and connection to the world. If you’re open to looking beyond a purely scientific lens, you’ll see how astrology reveals subtle patterns and energies that shape our lives. It’s not only accurate but also deeply spiritual and magical—it speaks to the mystery of the universe, God’s handwriting, and the language of the stars.

What’s even cooler is that many astrologers come from fields like chemistry, physics, law, and finance, bringing a grounded, intellectual approach to this ancient practice. Once you start tracking it, astrology becomes this fun, dynamic way to understand the quality of energy rather than just focusing on predictions. I get that it’s easy to dismiss what you don’t fully understand, but that doesn’t make it any less valid. Such a great content overall, though!
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I was looking for this response and didn’t expect it, so thank you for chiming in! I know many who are practicing an astrology that is deeply rooted in a blend of observation (just like our ancestors) and the tools/findings of modern astronomy. The non-logical but profound discoveries that can be made when working this way can be nothing short of life changing. This is not ‘fortune telling’ as is assumed in this conversation. It isn’t science, either, though I know many who utilize the scientific method when tracking their observations and crafting hypotheses.

This work is closer to poetry, ultimately, but maintains a profound respect for the findings of science. I’m currently learning about the moons of all the planets that are incorporated into astrology, and when you take into account the chemical composition & activity (like astronomical history/origin) of these fascinating bodies and ponder these with the names given to many of the same bodies you can discover some absolutely incredible things that, like mythology has always done, will bring insights and ‘stories’ about ineffable aspects of our reality that nothing else I know of can. It’s truly and literally awe inspiring.

There are many examples that move way beyond coincidence, such as a moon being named well before the fly by observations of astronomy bringing much more poetic focus to the ‘why’ of that name. Or the astrological practice of tracking the history relative to our ecliptic of a body that has only been ‘discovered’ in recent years (Pluto in Aquarius every 248 years, for example). Some truly fascinating correlatives can be found about the influence on human consciousness of these bodies. Again, this is more akin to poetry, but it is far more sophisticated and complex than ‘fortune telling’ and simply working ‘sun signs’ that don’t account for the drift of precession. That it isn’t ‘science’ exactly doesn’t  invalidate undertaking such study.

Long story short, I don’t think anyone is gonna change minds in the discussion of this podcast but I can see a future where ego is far less present and astronomy & astrology come back to a more unified and holistic practice. Hope we get there!
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Brian is too linear for this.
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by (284k points)
Keating's enthusiasm for science and the natural world is infectious. If we could introduce him to junior high science classes, the young people would catch that excitement around science and possibly consider a science career?
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Thank you,
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But isn’t Keating a reductionist trying to reduce the universe with his physicalism?
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I was thinking the exact thing! I was smiling the whole time experiencing how much he loves science
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Thank you, I really appreciate that
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by (284k points)
I thought astrology was a lovely parlor game until January of 2020. The few astrologers that I followed said the 'shit will hit the fan on January 20. 2020. "There will be no "hugging" by March of 2020. Your guest is amazing, but my experience with astrology in the few months before 2020 tells me that some things are written in the stars. Let's be generous and call 'it' Grace. I have, in retrospection, looked at the significant moments in my life. I will say without reservation, that Astrology is a clock that proves itself, time and time again. Know that your scientific mind (and criteria) makes you one of my favorite podcasts! (That friend of yours... Lex Friedman is another favorite!) Namaste, dear Doctor!
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by (284k points)
The science behind why stars twinkle is real magic in the universe, right before our eyes. So fascinating!
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yes it is!
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by (284k points)
If there was one thing I needed to ground myself from the noise and distraction of politics in 2025, THIS was it! Thank you so much!
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by (284k points)
This one was really fire(as always). I have always loved reading Brian talk about astronomy. The way he explains things is just amazing.
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love to hear this!
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by (284k points)
what an excellent guest, Love to see huberman venturing out of his comfort zone.

very excited for this one!
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yep, Dr. Keating runs circles around Dr. Hubes
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Thank you, very much Rand
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Trying to recover from Jp
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by (284k points)
Thank you Dr. Huberman, team, sponsors and supporters. THANK YOU DR. BRIAN KEATING.
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My pleasure
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by (284k points)
Team Hubermanlab, the subtle change with the introduction peaked and held my interest. Good job!
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by (284k points)
I Love to observe their two brains reverberating off each other! Perfect start to a Monday.
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by (284k points)
Now I see what you’re such a popular professor Brian. Entertaining and brilliant.
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by (284k points)
I clicked the like button within the first few sentences of Dr. Brian Keating's talk!
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hope you enjoy it!
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​@@DrBrianKeating Yes I did, Dr. Keating! I will be reviewing this one, as there was So Much to it. Your passion about what you do is Truly inspiring! I am going to buy a telescope, one that you suggested. We are up in the foothills of the American Riviera. Our living room is All Windows, and faces south, overlooking the Santa Barbara Channel Islands.
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@ Thanks
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learned a lot. Thanks bro!
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@
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by (284k points)
wow Dr. Brian Keating for 3 hrs, this is going to a fascinating conversation
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Hope you enjoy!
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by (284k points)
Woah! Brian the GOAT. Great combo here.
by (100 points)
Don't sell yourself too short! Your podcast is amazing by its own right.
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