Jerry Overcast sent us this picture of that “Solstice Moon” (or “Hay Moon” because it’s hay cutting time).  It sure was a cool sight.  In my opinion, it is the earth’s atmosphere magnifying the moon that makes it large (and red).  If you read this article:http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/16jun_moonillusion.htm there are other theories on why the moon is large.  They say that if you take a picture with a camera, the moon is not larger, and is the same size as when it is overhead.  However, the picture above shows it is large when seen by a camera.  Our video that we shot for the news showed it large, as well.  Hence, I think the atmosphere is magnifying the moon when it is low, since the light travels through more atmosphere than when it is overhead.  The old theory still lives, in my opinion!

Either way, it was a pretty sight!

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