Top Ten Interesting Facts and Myths About a Full Moon

Myth. The most popular myth about the full moon is that if a man or woman sleeps outside during a full moon on a Wednesday or Friday during the summer, he or she can turn into a wolf.

The full moon has been known to make people "go crazy". Lunatic is used to describe someone that is mentally ill, unpredictable, dangerous, and/or foolish. The word lunatic is derived from the Latin word "lunaticus", which translates to "moonstruck". It is a fact that hospitals see a higher admittance due to mental illness on full moon nights.

Fact? Ask anyone who works in an emergency room. I've heard doctors, nurses, and hospital employees say this my whole life. In fact, a survey carried out by the University of Laval in Canada found that 80% of nurses and 66% of doctors claim emergency rooms are busier during a full moon than any other night.

Fact. This has been documented since ancient times. In the past, it was thought it was due to the brightness of the full moon. However, even in modern times, people still suffer from this during a full moon. With all the artificial lighting and light pollution, the moon's brightness cannot be the cause.

Fact. A study conducted by Bradford Royal Infirmary showed that dog bites are twice as common during a full moon than any other night. Studies have also shown dogs are more likely to howl and bark more during a full moon.

Myth/Fact. Fact: The term "honeymoon" was named after the full moon in June. Myth: June is traditionally the "best" month to get married.

Myth/Fact. The myth: When a full moon occurs on a Monday, it is considered lucky. But when a full moon occurs on a Sunday, it is considered bad luck. Fact: The name Monday comes from the Old English word Monandaeg, which translates to moon day.

Myth. Some people believe that since the human body is 75% water, the moon has a "tidal effect" on the human body. Studies have shown this to be not true. The tidal effect is totally insignificant on such a small scale.

Myth. It's a popular myth that more babies are born during a full moon. No studies have backed this claim.

Fact: The Moon's orbit is slightly tilted by 5.145 degrees relative to our orbit. As a result, it is usually either above or below the Sun's opposite position. Therefore, we only see 99.8% or more of the Earth-facing side of the Moon, but not 100%. Otherwise, if the moon were at the exact opposite position of the sun, it would be in the way of Earth's shadow and we'd see a total lunar eclipse.

Interesting fact. If the moon is completely aligned, a lunar eclipse will occur.

Fact: Because the Moon is always moving, the moment we see the moon at its fullest is over as soon as it begins. Thus, a full moon is instantaneous, though our eyes can't tell for a whole night or even a few nights.