Science
Does the Moon pull on your body?
FactThe Moon raises ocean tides because Earth is huge: its pull is a little stronger on the near side than the far side, about 12,700 km apart.
FactAcross a human body the difference is tiny. Even a close full Moon changes an 80 kg person's weight by about 73 milligrams, less than a paper clip.
InterpretationThe Moon still shapes life in real ways: calendars, festivals like Diwali and Lunar New Year, night light and tides for fishing and sailing.
Ask whyWhen you feel restless at full Moon, what else is different that night: light, sleep, plans?
What we know
The Moon's tidal pull on a person is far too small to move body fluids.What we don't know
Whether bright moonlight affects some people's sleep; studies disagree.What it means for me: three seeds
- Notice how you sleep for one full Moon cycle and write it in Observe.
- Step outside tonight and find the Moon; name its phase.
- Keep bedrooms dark whatever the Moon is doing.