Phase of the moon affects amount of rainfall

[deanm]

So, the weather isn't 100% dependent on if someone near you bought some new astro gear!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160130182109.htm

Dean

[Bombardon]

Worth mentioning that at my place a Full Moon helps clear the night of all cloud but a New Moon usually send me indoors;)

[Somnium]

i think there is some confusion here by the person who wrote the article. they are confusing the phases of the moon with tidal forces and they have nothing (well nearly nothing) to do with each other. the article says that when the moon is either overhead or below your feet (something that happens twice a day) it impacts the chances of rain. saying this has to do with the phases of the moon is like saying the stars turn on when the sun sets ...

[OICURMT]

The stars do not just turn on... it's more like the Flying Spaghetti Monster has a dimmer switch on the other side of the Great Colander, which is why we see the light as it shines through the holes as stars. :thumbsup:



:D

[deanm]

I agree with Aiden - overhead & underfoot twice a day, everyday: irrespective of the phase of the moon.

I suspect the author is labouring under the misapprehension that the fuller the moon, the greater the lunar gravitational influence (most obviously tides).

Which is (of course) crackers!

Dean

[Somnium]

Of course! So sayeth the great noodley one

[Somnium]

It is a surprisingly pervasive misunderstanding

[deanm]

The moon misconception is not so distant from the one I (& I'm 100% certain I cannot be alone!) get regularly from non-astro folk: "You must be excited - it's a full moon tonight!!)

Groan...

Dean

[Somnium]

Haha yeah I know, the other one relating to the moon is that the phases of the moon are due to the shadow of the earth, I kid you not it is believed by about 40% of the population

[Bombardon]

I have a son, perfectly normal in other ways, who swears that if he plants his vegetables under a waxing Moon they are superior. I am pleased to say that over time I have shown him that I can do as well just adding home made compost and lots of water:)

[Somnium]

Is he a biodynamic farmer ? It is a special form of nonsense

[Atmos]

It is statistically more likely to be a clear night on a full moon (or near one) because it is what the weather gods demand. These are the same weather gods that have a dislike for astrophotographers because we spend so much time cursing them :lol: :D