A. Because the earth is surrounded by air, which acts like a magnifying glass; and when the sun is near the horizon (as its rays pass through more of this air), it is more magnified.
Here SC represents a ray of the sun at noon, and MC a ray of the sun near the horizon. DEG represents the air or atmosphere around the earth.
Because EC is longer than DC, therefore the rays of the sun at M pass through more air than the rays of the sun at S, and the sun is more magnified.
Q. Why does the rising and setting moon appear so much larger, than after it is risen higher above our heads?
A. Because the earth is surrounded by air, which acts like a magnifying glass; and when the moon is near the horizon (as its rays pass through more of this air) it is more magnified. (See last figure.)
Q. When candles are lighted, we cannot see into the street or road,—Why is this?
A. 1st—Because glass is a reflector, and throws the candle-light back into the room again; and
2ndly—The pupil of the eye (which has become contracted by the light of the room) is too small to collect rays enough from the dark street, to enable us to see into it.
Q. Why can’t persons in the street see into a well-lighted room?