Rose Knows

Q:Why are objects in the rear view mirror closer than they appear? — Larry

A: Objects in the rear view mirror are not closer than they appear. You’re probably thinking of the side mirror — specifically, the one on the passenger side of a car, which usually carries such a warning.

Passenger side mirrors are convex. The convexness increases the mirror’s field of view, but makes things look smaller — and, hence, farther away.

The very concept of “convex” may also dredge up memories of elementary school math. But that would be between you and your therapist.