Throughout history, the Moon has captivated humanity, giving rise to numerous myths surrounding it, some of which still resonate in modern times. There are various perspectives on the satellite's impact on both humans and nature, as well as on the Moon's unique qualities. There are even skeptics who question one of the most remarkable achievements of the space race. However, let's debunk the main myths about the Moon.
In this article we are going to tell you what the main myths about the Moon are and what is the truth.
moon myths
The moon is not round, nor white, nor does it have a dark side.
Pink Floyd serenaded the dark side of the moon, further solidifying the widespread belief that part of the lunar satellite is perpetually shrouded in darkness. Furthermore, our perception of the moon from Earth leads us to visualize it as a white, spherical object resembling a lamppost, a wheel of cheese, or any other object to which it has been compared. However, the moon's color is not pristine white, and its shape is not perfectly spherical.
To start, it is important to note that both sides of the Moon experience equal amounts of illumination, known as a lunar day, due to its rotation on its axis relative to the Sun, similar to that of the Earth. However, from our perspective, we constantly observe approximately the same half (up to 59% visibility), leading us to believe that the other side remains perpetually dark.
Contrary to our visual perception, the Moon is not perfectly round. For it to be considered a sphere, all points on its surface would have to be equidistant from its center, which is not the case. Like Earth, the Moon is slightly flattened at its poles. Furthermore, the side we see appears slightly larger than the opposite side, resulting in a subtle, egg-like shape.
The Moon, contrary to popular belief, lacks the pristine white hue and radiant brightness commonly associated with it. Instead , it has a somewhat dull grayish color and lacks the ability to emit its own light. Its apparent illumination is the result of sunlight reflected off its surface, along with the contrasting darkness of the surrounding sky.
The moon does not make the wolves howl
The notion that wolves howl at the full moon has become a widely believed myth, leading to the creation of supernatural legends such as werewolves who supposedly undergo transformations during full moon nights. Reality, however, shows that the effects of the full moon on animals do not include wolves howling more or less; their behavior can vary due to other factors.
It is important to note that there is no substantiated evidence to indicate that the full moon itself has any specific impact on animals. However, certain effects can be attributed to it. For example, certain species of fish, birds, and reptiles coordinate their migratory or egg-laying patterns with the tides, choosing to depart or arrive during the full moon when the tides are at their peak.
The impact of light on animals varies in different situations. During full moon nights, diurnal creatures venture out to hunt as if it were daytime, while nocturnal animals retreat to their burrows to avoid the excessive light. An intriguing example is the African dung beetle, which demonstrates a preference for moonlight over sunlight. It exhibits enhanced navigational skills and rolls its dung balls in more direct trajectories under the moon's glow.
The Moon is not hollow
The Brocken spectrum and other optical phenomena show that many beliefs about the Moon being hollow lack scientific basis. The notion that the Moon may be hollow or contain a substantial amount of empty space is a concept that frequently appears in science fiction and is sometimes considered by people with varying degrees of seriousness. Some propose that its formation process is responsible for this, while others suggest that it was intentionally hollowed out to accommodate the construction of various structures , particularly an extraterrestrial base.
Scientific consensus strongly opposes the idea that the Moon lacks internal structure. All evidence points to a thin crust, a vast mantle, and a denser inner core between its layers.
Women don't go into labor on a full moon.
The phases of the moon and their relationship to births have been the subject of numerous studies, which conclude that there is no proven link between the full moon and childbirth. A common misconception is that women nearing the end of their pregnancy are more likely to go into labor during a full moon. Numerous studies have dismissed this supposed influence, and the prevailing explanation for this myth lies in our brain's tendency to seek connections and patterns among extraordinary events to make sense of the world.
For example, if a hospital experiences an increase in births on a full moon night, people are likely to associate certain events to provide an explanation. However, if a similar increase in births occurs on another night without a full moon, no one will draw a correlation between the two events.
Throughout popular culture, there has long been an association between the Moon and fertility, likely due to the parallel between women's reproductive cycles and lunar cycles, both lasting approximately 28 days. It's worth noting that this is the only evidence-based connection between the Moon and fertility. You can find more information in our section dedicated to constellations in Greek mythology.
The Moon doesn't drive us crazy
The use of the term "lunatic" is unfounded. There is a widespread, though somewhat confused, belief that a full moon can trigger or exacerbate mental health problems and disorders. This notion has a profound effect on our mood, leaving us bewildered.
While it may be difficult to quantify, there is no solid evidence to suggest that nights with a full moon result in higher rates of hospital admissions for psychiatric conditions or an increase in crime, murder, or suicide. Furthermore, it is important to note that the moon has no impact on agriculture . To learn more, you can consult our article on the astronomical clock and its history.
There is a long-held belief that persists that suggests plants grow more vigorously and produce larger yields when grown during the full moon phase. This notion can be attributed to two potential mechanisms that offer an explanation for this phenomenon.
