Which Country Seems to Have the Moon Closer or Larger?

Many think that the moon appears closer or larger in certain parts of the world, especially from high elevations like the Andes in Ecuador. However, scientific observations and insights reveal that such a belief is a common misconception. While the moon may appear larger or closer due to optical illusions, it holds a relatively uniform distance from Earth.

Chimborazo and Ecuador

Ecuador, particularly the Mount Chimborazo volcano, is often cited as the closest point on Earth to the moon. Mount Chimborazo, an inactive volcano, is indeed the furthest point from the Earth's center, making it the closest to the moon. The Earth's slight bulge at the equator, where Chimborazo is located, contributes to this unique position. However, this does not mean the moon appears larger or closer from this vantage point.

Monthly Orbital Variations

The moon's distance from Earth actually varies over its orbit, known as its elliptical path. At perigee, the moon is about 42,000 km closer to the Earth than at apogee. The equatorial diameter of the Earth is around 12,742 km, which makes the difference in height negligible. The highest elevations, such as a few kilometers on Mount Chimborazo or other peaks, are too insignificant to notice any difference in the moon's apparent size.

Moon Illusion

Much of the perceived change in the moon's size and distance is due to a phenomenon known as the moon illusion. This optical illusion occurs when the moon is near the horizon, making it look larger or closer. This effect is purely an illusion and does not reflect any actual change in the moon's distance from the Earth.

Moon Appearances: Super Moons

When the moon is at perigee and is also full or new, it is referred to as a super moon. During these times, the moon does appear significantly larger and closer, disrupting the effects of the moon illusion. The super moon occurs only a few times a year, making these events particularly notable and visually impressive.

Finding the Moon's Apparent Size

While Mount Chimborazo is the furthest point from the Earth's center, the moon's distance from any part of the Earth is essentially uniform. The difference in the moon's apparent size is primarily due to atmospheric conditions and the moon illusion. The moon's distance from various places on the Earth's surface does not vary significantly.

So, the next time you see the moon looking larger from somewhere like Alaska, Sweden, or Cork, it is most likely due to the moon illusion and not because the moon is any closer to these locations. The scientific truth is that the moon's distance from Earth, whether measured in actual miles or perceived through optical illusions, is consistent and uniform for all regions on the planet.

In conclusion, while Ecuador's Mount Chimborazo may be the furthest point from the Earth's center, the moon's apparent size or distance is not dependent on your geographical location. The moon's closest approach (perigee) and the super moon phenomena are responsible for the times when the moon appears larger. Understanding these facts can help you appreciate the beauty of the moon's appearances without holding onto misconceptions about its proximity.