7 Unusual Myths and Theories About the Moon

Throughout history, humans have produced various theories regarding the moon's nature and influence.

1. Full Moons Make You Crazy

Full moons have long been linked to bizarre and irrational behavior. Notable instances include sleepwalking, violence, and even transformations into werewolves. The terms "lunacy" and "lunatic" derive from Luna, the Roman moon goddess perceived to traverse the sky nightly in her chariot.

In ancient times, mental health professionals believed madness correlated with the lunar cycle. Hippocrates, the fifth century B.C. physician, claimed disturbances at night symbolized divine intervention from the moon goddess. In 18th-century England, defendants in murder trials sought lighter sentences based on claims of lunacy during full moons. They argued that a full moon's light influenced their actions. Despite disproven studies, many still believe in the moon's effect on mental state.

2. Aliens Inhabit the Moon

Franz von Paula Gruithuisen, a 1820s Bavarian astronomer, alleged he saw cities on the moon through his telescope. He imagined "lunarians" constructing complex infrastructure, although most scoffed at his claims. Interestingly, he has a lunar crater named after him.

Similarly, British astronomer Sir William Herschel speculated about alien life on the moon, contemplating ongoing construction there. In 1835, the New York Sun published false reports alleging humans lived on the moon, mistakenly attributing the findings to Herschel’s son, a well-regarded astronomer himself.

3. The Moon Controls Fertility

The similarity in lengths of lunar and menstrual cycles led many ancient societies to believe the moon influenced fertility. This notion may explain the significance of female moon deities, prominently featuring in various mythologies worldwide.

In the 1950s, Czech doctor Eugene Jonas referenced Assyrian astrology texts affirming women’s fertility related to lunar phases. He even promoted a family planning method suggesting ovulation occurred when the moon matched the position at birth. Moreover, some believe full moons increase birth rates, prompting maternity wards to fill. Scientific studies, however, have found minimal credible evidence for lunar-related birth spikes.

4. The Moon Is a Hollow Spacecraft

In early 20th-century science fiction, such as H.G. Wells’ *The First Men in the Moon*, narratives suggest a hollow moon inhabited by extraterrestrials. In 1970, two Soviet scientists posited that the moon might be an alien spacecraft, constructed using advanced technologies.

However, astronomers state that the moon could not function as a hollow object; it would lack the necessary mass and gravitational stability.

5. We Never Really Went to the Moon

Despite ample evidence, conspiracy theorists assert that NASA faked the Apollo moon landings. They claim staged photos and videos tricked viewers. Some argue technology of the time didn’t support a real mission, citing that the American flag appeared to flap in space as evidence of studio fabrication.

In a famous confrontation in 2002, Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon, punched a conspiracy theorist for accusing him of faking the landings. The altercation did not result in prosecution.

6. The Nazis Had a Base on the Moon

After World War II, rumors arose that Germans set up a hidden base on the moon. Some conjectured Hitler survived, escaping to life beneath the lunar surface. Flying saucer sightings derived from UFO development theories allegedly associated with the Nazis have fueled these legends. They inspired science fiction narratives such as Robert A. Heinlein's *Rocket Ship Galileo*, published in 1947.

7. A Rabbit Dwells on the Moon

Several global legends, including Buddhism and Native American lore, feature a moon-dwelling rabbit. This motif often represents craters observed on the lunar surface, distinct from the "man in the moon" interpretation.

Just before the Apollo 11 mission landed on the moon in 1969, mission control referenced the Chinese rabbit legend, suggesting the crew watch for a girl with a rabbit. Michael Collins, the command module pilot, humorously agreed to keep an eye out for the mythical figure.

Earlier, SSP wrote spider folklore and superstitions across cultures.