From past experience, you know that commercial jets typically fly around 500 miles per hour at a height of 30,000 feet. However, as you watch one fly high overhead, it seems to slowly pass by. What monocular depth cue best explains this?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Motion parallax is a monocular depth cue that explains why objects that are closer to us appear to move faster than objects that are farther away. In this scenario, the commercial jet appears to be moving slowly because it is so far away and is traveling at a constant speed, which makes it difficult for us to perceive any change in its position.

From Past Experience, You Know That Commercial Jets Typically Fly