Question

Explain this common observation clearly: If you look out of the window of a fast-moving train, the nearby trees, houses, etc. seem to move rapidly in a direction opposite to the train’s motion, but the distant objects (hilltops, the Moon, the stars, etc.) seem to be stationary. (In fact, since you are aware that you are moving, these distant objects seem to move with you).

Answer 1

Objects nearer to the eye subtend a greater angle in the eye than the distant objects. When we move, the change in this angle is less for distant objects than for near objects. So the distant objects seem stationary but nearer objects seem to move in the opposite direction.