William Flew and Supermoon (2)

From Bad Astronomy blog

this "supermoon" idea was started by an astrologer named Richard Nolle. On his website, he defines the term as a new or full Moon when the Moon is closer to Earth than usual. He goes and gives a more precise definition, but it’s rather arbitrary^*. He says quite bluntly — and quite incorrectly — that lots of seismic events (plus bad weather) can be attributed to the Moon.

For example, about this month’s Moon he says:

That makes this a major geophysical stress window, centered on the actual alignment date but in effect from the 16th through the 22nd.

Note that time period: seven full days. The lunar orbit is about 27 days long, so there’s a 25% random chance of something happening during that time, Moon or no Moon!

Fark comments went like this:

So how 'bout ponying up some real math and a realistic viewpoint? On one side people are saying the moon is gonna fark shiat up horribly tomorrow, and on the other hand you're saying tidal forces don't mean shiat, so you're just as bad as the doomsdayers.

Get real, yes?


How about this:

The Moon's possible effect on earthquakes has been studied for a long time. The result? Major earthquakes are not correlated with the Moon's position or distance.

In other words, people a lot smarter than you have studied the issue and concluded there's nothing there. If they tried to use math and explain it to you, you wouldn't understand or accept it anyway.

Swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circled orb, lest that thy love prove likewise variable.


/why yes I am a Capulet why do you ask?

Guys, guys! What if EVERY person in China lined up and jumped RIGHT as the Moon makes its closest approach? They could like, wipe out California! Guys! This is important! Somebody call Fox News! We have to stop those Commies!

Oh yeah?

Well, smart guy, how do explain the fact that nearly all earthquakes happen within two weeks on either side of a full moon?

Or why approximately 25% of *all* earthquakes happen in the first three months of the year?

Huh? Explain *that*, you elitist liberal college boy!

That's nothing. In the past three decades a full TWENTY FIVE PERCENT of all deaths on the planet have occured while my wife was having her period.

/You can't explain that

Oh yeah, well, 50% of all marriages end in divorce, and the others end in death! Yet the government does NOTHING about it! It's a conspiracy against family values I tells ya!

WeenerGord: I don't drink anymore, but I'd buy you a beer if you tell me more about your religion.

I will gladly tell you whatever you want to hear about what happens to your 'soul' after you die, in exchange for your money, now.


I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today.

Let's not waste it....