The Wider Implications of the Moon’s Phases: Relationship Between the Moon and Our World
Looking up at the night sky, we can observe the Stars and the Moon. The fact that the Moon and Earth have such a close and symbiotic relationship is indeed miraculous and awe-inspiring. It plays an essential role in many aspects of our lives, from affecting the tides and supporting life on Earth, to inspiring human art and culture throughout history. It is worth exploring the wider effects of the Moon’s phases on our daily lives. In this article I would like to take a closer look at the facts and theories surrounding the Moon’s influence on our world.
Moon phases refer to the different appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth over the course of a lunar month, which is approximately 29.5 days. The Moon’s gravitational pull influences the tides on Earth, and the phases of the Moon can affect the height and timing of these tides. During the New Moon and Full Moon phases, the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun combine to create stronger tides, known as spring tides. During the First Quarter and Third Quarter phases, the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun act against each other to create weaker tides, known as neap tides.
Lunar gardening capitalizes on the moon’s influence to improve plant growth
In agriculture, lunar gardening is practiced, with some people believing that planting and harvesting crops based on the Moon’s phases can improve crop yield and quality. The basic idea behind lunar gardening is that the Moon’s gravitational pull affects the moisture in the soil, as well as the flow of sap and nutrients in plants. As a result, different phases of the Moon are believed to be better suited for different gardening activities.
- New Moon: The best time for planting above-ground crops, such as leafy greens, annual flowers, and fruit-bearing plants.
- Waxing Moon: It is a good time for planting and transplanting above-ground crops, as well as for pruning and grafting trees.
- Full Moon: A time of maximum moisture, and is a good time for planting root crops, such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, as well as for harvesting herbs and medicinal plants.
- Waning Moon: It’s believed to be a good time for harvesting and pruning, as well as for planting bulbs and perennials.
The Lunar Influence on Fishing: Relationship Between the Moons Phases and Fish Behavior
Looking at the fishing industry, lunar fishing has been a popular practice for many years, with some fishermen believing that the Moon’s phases can affect the behavior and feeding patterns of fish. The basic idea behind lunar fishing is that the gravitational pull of the Moon affects the movement and behavior of oceanic and freshwater creatures, including fish. Fishermen typically use the Moon’s phases to plan their fishing trips, with the New Moon and Full Moon phases being considered optimal times. During the spring tides, they can create strong currents that stir up the bottom of the water, bringing food to the surface and making it easier for fish to feed. However, during the First Quarter and Third Quarter phases, the gravitational pull of the water is often calmer, and fish may be less active and more difficult to catch. Some fishermen also believe that the periods just before and after Moonrise and Moonset are good times for fishing, as the changing light levels can trigger feeding behavior in fish.
Other Influences
Sleep and Emotion
The influence exists on our daily life as well. The Full Moon can disrupt sleep patterns and cause restlessness or insomnia, and is often associated with heightened emotions and mood swings. There is also a belief that the Moon’s phases can influence women’s menstrual cycles and increase fertility.
Super Moon is a great opportunity for photography
If you want to take a great photo of the moon, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, use a faster shutter speed and close your aperture about 1/3 from wide open, unless you’re trying to capture star trails. A faster shutter speed will help capture details on the surface of the moon. You may have heard of a “supermoon,” which is the largest full moon visible in a given year. During a supermoon, the moon appears about 30% larger than a regular full moon when it’s at its closest point to Earth. So, when you look up at the night sky, a supermoon will seem one size larger than the full moon you normally see.
The next visible super-moon in Australia is predicted to occur on 31st Aug 2023, 17th Oct 2024 and 5th Dec 2025. It is still some way off, but it should be enough time to prepare.
How does the Moon affect life on Earth? – Natural History Museum
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-does-the-moon-affect-life-on-earth.html
Supermoon Calendar 2023 – fullmoonphase.com
https://www.fullmoonphase.com/supermoons/2023
Moon Phases 2023 – Lunar Calendar – time and date
https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/phases/
What is a supermoon? And when, in 2023? – EarthSky
https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/what-is-a-supermoon/
