1320: The Moon | Skeptical Sunday

On this episode of Skeptical Sunday, Jordan Harbinger and co-host Jessica Nguyen dissect the widespread belief that the moon influences human behavior, from mood swings to crime sprees and medical outcomes. They dismantle the myth using scientific evidence, explaining that while the moon does affect Earth’s tides and stabilize its axial tilt—crucial for life—its gravitational pull on humans is negligible due to scale and distance. The episode explores how cognitive biases like confirmation bias and priming lead people to perceive patterns where none exist, especially during full moons. Despite claims from emergency workers and medical professionals, large-scale data shows no correlation between lunar phases and ER visits, psychiatric admissions, or surgical complications. The hosts also examine related myths, including lunar gardening, moon-charged water, and crystal rituals, all of which lack scientific basis but persist due to tradition and social media amplification. Ultimately, the moon’s real magic lies in its astronomical and geological impact—not in controlling human emotions or decisions.