Who Is Right About the Sun's Position and Size?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the misconceptions regarding the Sun's position and apparent size as perceived by two children. One child argues that the Sun appears larger when it rises due to its proximity to the ground, while the other claims it feels hotter at noon because the Sun is closer. Both arguments are incorrect; the Sun's apparent size is an optical illusion caused by atmospheric refraction, making it appear as an oblate spheroid at the horizon. The perception of size and distance is influenced by psychological factors, including our instinctive fear of heights.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atmospheric refraction
  • Basic knowledge of optical illusions
  • Familiarity with the concept of oblate spheroids
  • Awareness of psychological perception related to distance
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  • Explore the psychology of perception and optical illusions
  • Study the properties of oblate spheroids in astronomy
  • Investigate the historical context of astronomical observations
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Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, psychologists studying perception, and anyone interested in the science behind optical illusions and celestial observations.

Raul Lai
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Recently, I have read a old book with an article about two kids arguing the problem of Sun.

One day, Confucius heard two kids arguing on the road.
One said "in the morning, the sun rises, it is closer to the ground and look as big as a roof of the carriage. In the afternoon , the sun is far from the ground and look like a dish. It is because an object at faraway place look smaller than the close."
Another said " It should be reversed. In the morning, it is cooler ,but at noon, we seem to be living in the hot water. Since we are nearing a heat source, we feel hotter."

Actually, who is right and why?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
I think both are wrong...
 
The image of the sun near the horizon is part illusion and part due to atmospheric refraction. While the image is not really larger, it is distorted making the sun appear to be an oblate spheroid [oval] at the horizon. The illusory part can be blamed on the brain, which fools itself into believing the sun is closer when near the ground. I believe this is at least partly related to our instinctive fear of heights. Which appears more distant, the tenth rung of a ladder as it leans against your house, or the tenth rung of the same ladder lying flat on the ground? The other boy is also wrong for more obvious reasons [the sun has already been shining for half the day].
 
Confusious say " Man who sees sunrise, will live his life, and see sunset."
 
thx a lot
 

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