Debunking 5 Myths About the Moon

The Moon has captivated human imagination for thousands of years — glowing above us, lighting the night sky, and inspiring myths, legends, and even conspiracy theories. But in our modern scientific era, it’s time to separate fact from fiction.

From werewolves to fake landings, here are five persistent Moon myths — and the truth that clears them up once and for all.

Myths vs. Facts About the Moon

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common Moon myths — and bust them wide open with science.

Myth 1: The Moon Has a “Dark Side” That Never Sees Light

The truth: Every part of the Moon gets sunlight — but one side always faces Earth.

Why people believe it:

• We always see the same face of the Moon from Earth.
• The far side was unseen until space probes explored it.

The reality:

• The Moon is tidally locked, so it rotates once per orbit — showing us only one face.
• The “far side” receives just as much sunlight as the near side.
• Calling it the “dark side” is a misnomer — and misleading!

Myth 2: The Moon’s Gravity Causes Mental Illness

The truth: There’s no scientific evidence linking lunar phases to human behavior.

Why people believe it:

• Words like “lunatic” are rooted in lunar folklore.
• Emergency rooms and police departments often blame full moons for unusual activity.

The reality:

• Numerous studies have found no consistent link between lunar cycles and crime, births, or mental health crises.
• It’s a classic case of confirmation bias — we remember weird nights when the Moon is full.
• The Moon’s gravity affects tides, but not human psychology.

Myth 3: We Never Landed on the Moon

The truth: Six Apollo missions landed humans on the Moon — and the evidence is overwhelming.

Why people believe it:

• Photos and videos seem “too perfect” to some.
• Conspiracy theories gained traction in the 1970s.

The reality:

• We have thousands of photos, videos, rock samples, and technical data.
• Third-party nations tracked the missions in real time.
• Modern lunar orbiters have photographed the Apollo landing sites, including astronaut footprints and rover tracks.

Myth 4: The Moon is Perfectly Round

The truth: The Moon is slightly squashed and lumpy — not a perfect sphere.

Why people believe it:

• From Earth, it looks round, especially during a full moon.

The reality:

• It’s shaped more like an egg — slightly elongated due to Earth’s gravity.
• It has “mascons” (mass concentrations) beneath the surface that affect its gravitational pull.
• Surface craters and basins create uneven terrain.

Myth 5: The Moon Doesn’t Do Anything Anymore

The truth: The Moon still plays a vital role in Earth’s environment and continues to change.

Why people believe it:

• It seems passive and unchanging from our perspective.

The reality:

• The Moon stabilizes Earth’s axial tilt — essential for climate balance.
• It affects tides, animal migration, and even plant growth cycles.
• The Moon is still geologically active with moonquakes and internal movement.

The Backstory of Moon Myths

Moon myths go back to ancient civilizations. Some saw it as a god or goddess, others believed it had magical powers. Even in modern times, misinformation and pop culture have kept these myths alive — sometimes because the truth isn’t as flashy as fiction.

From Babylonian eclipse omens to YouTube conspiracy theories, the Moon has always been a blank canvas for our curiosity and imagination.

Why It’s So Intriguing

We see the Moon almost every night — yet many of us misunderstand it. It’s familiar but mysterious, close but unreachable to most of us. That mix of visibility and enigma fuels endless questions.

And with new lunar missions planned in the coming years, our understanding of the Moon is about to expand even more.

What Most People Don’t Know

Here are a few lesser-known Moon facts to share at your next stargazing session:

• The Moon is slowly moving away from Earth — about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) per year.
• The Moon has a very thin atmosphere called an exosphere.
• Earth’s tides are strongest during full and new moons, when gravitational forces align.
• China and other countries have landed robotic missions on the far side of the Moon.

Bonus Fact

Buzz Aldrin took communion on the Moon — a private moment not shared until years after the Apollo 11 mission.

Takeaway

The Moon is more than a glowing rock in the sky — it’s a key player in Earth’s story, and a subject of both scientific discovery and cultural mythology. By busting these common Moon myths, we can appreciate our closest celestial neighbor for what it truly is: a dynamic, essential part of our solar system.

And the more we explore it, the more amazing truths we’ll uncover — no myths required.