Multiple choice

When the moon is near the horizon, it appears bigger because of

  1. total internal reflection

  2. scattering of light

  3. diffraction

  4. atmospheric refraction

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The moon illusion is primarily caused by atmospheric refraction - light bends as it passes through different density layers of Earth's atmosphere, especially near the horizon. This refraction makes celestial objects appear larger when low in the sky. Total internal reflection, scattering, and diffraction don't cause this effect.