Throughout the centuries, philosophers, mathematicians, and other thinkers have put forth dozens of different explanations of why the moon and sun appear to be so much larger when at the horizon than they do overhead. Without claiming to ultimately solve the problem, this text for scholars and the general reader presents a history of humankind's many attempts to understand this mystery. Ross teaches psychology at Scotland's U. of Stirling and Plug is with the psychology department at the U. of South Africa. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
For thousands of years, one scientific puzzle has fascinated and perplexed the greatest philosophers, mathematicians, physicists, and psychologists--why do the moon and sun appear so much larger on the horizon than when high up in the sky? Now, two leading psychologists have provided a compelling account of this fascinating illusion. Taking us through the history, the characters involved, the attempts made to explain the illusion, though to modern day studies of visual perception, the book is the most comprehensive account of this puzzle so far. This is a work that will remain, for some time to come, the definitive book on a mystery that has fascinated and tested the greatest minds throughout the ages.
Accessibly written, it will appeal to readers of popular science, along with those within the disciplines of psychology, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy, from undergraduate upwards.
