December 4, 2006
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LUNACY
Tomorrow night, Monday December 4, at 7:25 PM Eastern, the moon will be full. The moon is full at the exact moment of opposition to the sun; that is, when it's at that point in its orbit around the earth that is exactly opposite the sun. That's why the full moon always rises at sunset. That's also why lunar eclipses can only occur during full moons.
According to ancient and medieval moon lore, the influence of the moon is, among other things, to produce wandering in men - either physical wandering or wanderlust, or else mental wandering. Hence the term lunacy or lunatic, from the Latin word for the moon, "luna". To this very day, many policemen believe criminal activity is higher during a full moon. Of course, skeptics point out that there is more light at night which helps criminal activity. On the other hand, what criminal seeks greater *light* for his crimes? Don't they seek greater darkness? Furthermore, many nurses believe that more babies are born during the time of the full moon. Do the babies need greater light to be born?
Many of you, like me, have cloudy skies right now and can't look at the moon tonight. But if the sky clears in the next day or two, go out late in the evening and wander around a little under the full moon. Not only will you enjoy being a lunatic for a few minutes, but you'll see something most people in the cities of western civilization never see because our electricity keeps us living indoors at night with our bright lights, blaring televisions, stereos, and computers. Hmm. I'll end this missive, shut down my computer and indulge in some lunacy.
Comments (8)
Considering this past weekend, I for one am fully convinced that the moon has to have something to do with increased oddity in human behavior. Although I suppose it might be coincidental.
Where I am, it's a bright, clear, terribly cold day.
Aaahhwwoooooooo!
Deer are known to party all night during a full moon, although, again, the explanation is typically the light. Shoulda knowed better than to hit the woods the next day: the critters slept all morning.
I was out under the full moon both last night (although not precisely at 7:25), and again this morning watching it pale as it sank toward the western horizon. Yup, your sister is a lunatic. But you already knew that.
Hurrah for an astronomy post!
Wait. Does it count as astronomy if it isn't about stars but about the moon?
Does it become a lunanomy post instead?
The moon's been beautifully full here, yes, with a few clouds skimming around for dramatic effect. I spotted what must've been a whole herd of deer bedding down for the night in the brush in the woods on the other side of the road walking home tonight.
Merry Christmas!
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