Man in the Moon

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For the J.R.R. Tolkien folklore, see Man in the Moon (Middle-earth).

Image:Le Voyage dans la lune.jpg

The Man in the Moon is a figure resembling a human face, perceived in the full Moon in some cultures. The figure is composed of large dark areas (the lunar maria, or seas) on the Moon's surface. The figure's eyes are the Mare Imbrium and Mare Serenitatis, its nose is the Sinus Aestuum, and its open mouth is the Mare Nubium and Mare Cognitum.

The conventionalized image of the Man in the Moon, unlike the vague natural appearance, bears just a very simple, wide-grinning face.

The Man in the Moon is an example of pareidolia. Other cultures perceive the silhouette of a woman, a hare, a Frog, Moose, or a buffalo in the full moon.

External links

Mythology

Chinese Moon festival legends

nl:Mannetje in de maan