FULL MOON .... Does it really make us feel weird? Make our kids act up?
Paul Sutter, chief scientist at COSI Columbus and an astrophysicist at Ohio State University addressed 5 myths about full moons.
1) Does a full moon make people mad or crazy?
Sutter: As much as we would like to find an easy explanation for our behavior, the moon has essentially zero influence on us or our lives. Except for the tides, the moon is too small and too far away to affect things here on the Earth.
2) Does a full moon make people more violent or commit more crimes?
Sutter: Way back in the day before street lighting, a full moon would be an opportune time to do evil deeds in the night - it's the most amount of light you could have hoped to get. Perhaps this is the origin of the connection between the full moon and violent crimes. But nowadays criminals don't really seem to wait for the full moon.
3) Does a full moon make people feel different physically?
Sutter: While it may look big and bright, the full moon isn't any closer or farther (on average) than the moon at any other day of the month. So if you're feeling a little strange during a full moon, you should see a doctor.
4) Does a full moon make animals feel different?
Sutter: Some animals do pay attention to the full moon! The dung beetle uses the moonlight to help get their dung balls back to their burrows. It's gross but also true.
5) Does a full moon affect sleep?
Sutter: If you're sensitive to light when you sleep, then a full moon blasting in your window can make your room noticeably brighter. You can either buy some thick curtains or change which room you sleep in.
