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, through to modern day studies of visual perception, the book is the most comprehensive account of this puzzle so far. This is a work which 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.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
... very readable ... We have here a good popularization of an interdisciplinary field of science and a glimpse into the fascinating research practice of experimental psychology ... I would recommend this book for students of physics or psychology at college or secondary school. It is also a good addition to classes in history of psychology and supplementary reading for anyone interested in the history of optics or astronomy. * The British Journal for the History of Science * The authors' style is clear, making the book accessible to newcomers, and the illustrations are excellent. There can be no doubt that this book will remain the standard work in the subject, and it will appeal to readers of all types. * Sir Patrick Moore in the Times Higher Education Supplement * It will surely be the standard work on the subject for many years to come and we await with interest the outcome of further research into this fascinating subject. * Society for the History of Astronomy *
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Illustrationen
numerous figures and black and white photographs
Maße
Höhe: 250 mm
Breite: 175 mm
Dicke: 20 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-0-19-850862-5 (9780198508625)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Autor*in
, Honorary Reader in Psychology, University of Stirling
, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, University of South Africa
Foreword by Richard Gregory ; Preface ; 1. The celestial illusions ; 2. The real sizes of the moon and sun ; 3. Perceiving size ; 4. Measuring the moon illusion ; 5. Atmospheric refraction ; 6. Aerial perspectives ; 7. In the eye of the beholder ; 8. The vault of the heavens ; 9. So near and yet so far ; 10. Sizing up the moon ; 11. The angle of regard ; 12. A question of balance ; 13. Conclusions and conundrums ; Epilogue ; Appendix: Summary of scientific developments relating to the moon illusion
