Everywhere on the planet else sees a low tide-and in this dance, we see the push and pull of our cosmos at work. The farthest side also gets a high tide, where the Earth’s rotational force outweighs the Moon’s and the water’s resistance causes it to swell. The side of the Earth closest to the Moon feels its draw the strongest, resulting in a sea level surge. The rhythmic advance and retreat of the sea along the shore happens when the Moon’s gravity interacts with the Earth’s rotational force. One aspect of life on Earth that we do know the Moon holds sway over is the tides. One study found an increase in crime with more moonlight, and another found that full moons mean less sleep-which as we know, can impact our mood. The word lunacy itself comes from the Latin lunaticus meaning “moonstruck.” And while the science to support such claims has long been inconclusive, there have been a few links found in recent years. It’s been believed to cause heightened emotions, violent tendencies, and even madness. Throughout the ages, humankind has been fascinated by the influence of the Moon on our psychological behavior. As Max and I crossed the street, I looked left and saw it hanging just above the horizon, full and radiant, casting a yellow glow as close as I had ever seen it: the Moon. I was reflecting on how at ease I have felt these past few weeks-happy, even. The early arrival of dusk has felt like a warm welcome into the dark half of the year, and all that comes with it: candlelight, cozying up with a good book, cooking stews. The Sun has started setting before 5pm here, but I don’t mind. On Monday evening, I found myself walking my dog, Max Moon, through Brooklyn.
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