A friend of yours is convinced of the influence of the Moon on everyday human affairs. He cites a supposed correlation between crime and the occurrence of a full moon as proof. He even speculates that the gravitational influence of the Moon is the mechanism by noting that it is the gravitational pull of the Moon that causes the tides. "After all", he argues, "as over half a human's weight is water, the Moon must affect the flow of blood in human beings!" How would you explain to your friend that this analogy, between the ocean tides and water in the human body, is profoundly flawed. Are there any alternate explanations for a link between moon phase and crime?

Question

Jamie Kirk

Social Studies

25 October, 03:11

A friend of yours is convinced of the influence of the Moon on everyday human affairs. He cites a supposed correlation between crime and the occurrence of a full moon as proof. He even speculates that the gravitational influence of the Moon is the mechanism by noting that it is the gravitational pull of the Moon that causes the tides. "After all", he argues, "as over half a human's weight is water, the Moon must affect the flow of blood in human beings!" How would you explain to your friend that this analogy, between the ocean tides and water in the human body, is profoundly flawed. Are there any alternate explanations for a link between moon phase and crime?

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Answers (1)

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Adeline Johnson · Answer 1

Moon illumination

Explanation:

In some areas there is an increase in outdoor crime when there is the full moon and the super-moon. Most theorize that the moon may cause erratic behaviour when in these phases. There are two possible explanations for this:

Change between phases may affect sleep: When sleep is affected this may cause mood swings and erratic behaviour that could potentially lead to criminal activity in the right circumstances. Moon illumination will increase visibility in other wise darker areas which will give those with criminal intent to act.

The moon itself does not cause the behaviour but a compilation of circumstances does.