What causes the illusion that the Sun's edge appears larger than its mathematically calculated 32 arcminutes when viewed from Earth?

Answer

Intense light scattering in the atmosphere and within the optical system.

The sheer density of photons entering the eye from the Sun causes internal light bleed and glare, resulting in a perceived enlargement beyond the true angular diameter due to scattering effects.

What causes the illusion that the Sun's edge appears larger than its mathematically calculated 32 arcminutes when viewed from Earth?

#Videos

Why The Sun is Bigger Than You Think - YouTube

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