7 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

The best answer is that this phenomenon is caused by residual gases seeping up from beneath the moon's surface. These gases are then colored by the sun's rays. Really though, no one knows for sure what causes LTP. Through all of our advances in astronomy, observations through high powered telescopes and even after traveling to the moon itself, they remain an enigma.

That isn't all. The moon is said to have an effect on human behavior. It is interesting to note that the moon is associated with all things mysterious to Man: night, darkness, witchcraft, blood, madness, superstition, emotionality and Woman. The word "moon" itself is derived from the Latin word "luna" which means lunacy or madness. A legend says that people who sleep with moonlight on their face will go mad! Like the lunar pull has an effect on ocean tides, many wonder if it affects human emotions? People have come to associate certain behaviors from humans and animals with phases of the moon. Speaking of emotionality, some in the medical and law enforcement communities see a correlation between phases of the moon and changes in behavior and physiology. Some in law enforcement say crime rates increases during a full moon phase. The opinion in the scientific community is that this is merely a perception due to suggestion and that there is no actual scientific evidence, only anecdotal evidence. Still, anecdotal evidence by experts and professionals should not be easily dismissed. There really may be something to it.

A mystery that can be explained scientifically is why the moon seems so large on the horizon at some times and small at other times when it is high in the sky. This effect plays tricks on the eye and it is called the Ponzo Effect. What this means is that sometimes our minds will determine the size of an object based on its background. In our minds we see the sky as a flat dome. It appears closer over our heads than near the horizon. The moon is beyond the sky and very far away, however, we think of the moon as a flat disc pasted on the dome of the sky. This is where the Ponzo Effect comes in. We reach the conclusion that because the moon is near the horizon it must be far away but since its size doesn't seem to decrease, it must be much larger than it is when it is overhead. Thus, it looks huge at times when on the horizon and rather small when it is high in the sky.

For so small a satellite, it has great influence on life on Earth in ways that we can measure scientifically, even without

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Legends about the Moon?
We want to hear your view. Write now!