Here is how the moon affects the weather on Earth!

Oct 25 2023 - Views: 1219

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Moon phases and tides have a clear relationship. Ocean tides would not have appeared on Earth if not for the Moon's gravitational force. This is something we're all aware of. So, is there a connection between the phases of the moon and Earth's weather? To learn more, read this article titled "Here is how the moon affects the weather on Earth!".

Moon phases and tides have a clear relationship

The moon is average of 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers) away from Earth, but its impact on the planet is quite obvious. Of course, when it comes to the moon's effects on our planet, its gravitational pull on the planet's ocean tides is always mentioned first.

But what about Earth's weather and climate? Is there any effect of the moon on our planet's weather? If so, how? Continue reading because we'll give you all of the answers you're looking for right here.

Does the moon affect the weather on Earth?

First and foremost, the moon does influence our planet's weather in a variety of indirect and even direct ways. What exactly do the terms "indirect" mean here?

One certainty about the moon’s effect is that its gravitational pull force strongly influences ocean tides on Earth. And tides have a substantial effect on the weather on the planet.

The moon does influence our planet's weather in a variety of indirect ways

Well, our Earth would have little or no tides if there was no moon, resulting in a different weather system, right? Besides, the moon also produces effects on both polar temperatures and the amount of rainfall on our planet. Check out the next parts of this writing to know how the moon affects the weather on Earth in both indirect and even direct ways.

The Moon and ocean tides and effects on weather

When it comes to how the moon affects the weather on our planet, its effects on ocean tides are often the first to be discussed. Even though these are indirect effects, they are still addressed first since the impacts are too obvious.

In every 24 hour cycle, there are two high tides and low tides. High tides are at their peak during the New and Full Moon periods, while low tides are lower than normal during these 2 Moon phases. But, low tides and high tides are more moderate than normal during the first quarter and last quarter moon phases.

How the moon affects the weather: In every 24-hour cycle, there are two high tides and low tides

Ocean tides do affect the movement of currents in the oceans all around the planet, which in turn impacts the weather through the amount of cooling and warming water flowing through a given region.

Consider weather phenomena like El Niño, a Pacific Ocean climate cycle that begins when unusual warming of surface waters from the western tropical Pacific Ocean moves eastward toward the coast of Central and South America. The combination of water temperature and wind strength and direction is the cause of weather events like El Niño.

Also as per an article published on AccuWeather, tidal forces can sometimes affect the strength of storm systems. The post noted that there have been some associations between storms occurring and becoming stronger during a new moon and a full moon, though it also did emphasize that there’s no hard scientific evidence to prove this.

See also: Things to know about Moon Phases and tides

How the moon affects the weather on Earth: The Moon and rainfall on Earth

Still an indirect effect of the moon on Earth’s weather! The amount of rain on Earth is influenced by lunar impacts, according to research from the University of Washington. As per researchers, when the moon is up in the sky, it causes bulges in the planet's atmosphere, causing imperceptible changes in the quantity of rain falling on the ground.

The amount of rain on Earth is influenced by lunar impacts

To be more specific on how the moon affects the weather on Earth in terms of rainfall, well, the bulges created by the moon exert pressure on the planet's side that the moon is directly above it.

The temperature of air parcels rises as pressure rises. More moisture is kept in warmer weather, resulting in more rainfall. Increases in air pressure caused by the moon often raise relative humidity, making precipitation more likely.

The Moon and Earth’s polar temperatures

Another aspect that you should know about how the moon affects the weather on Earth is its influence on polar temperatures.

Satellite measurements of the atmosphere temperature reveal that during a full moon, the poles are 0.99 degrees Fahrenheit (0.55 degrees Celsius) warmer than it is during a new moon.

The pole temperatures are warmer during a full moon than they are is during a new moon

Measurements find no impact on temperatures in the tropics, however, the temperature around the world is 0.036 degrees Fahrenheit (0.02 degrees Celsius) higher during a full moon. Though these are small changes in temperatures, they show the measurable effect of the moon on the weather on Earth.

Roundup

After all, it’s clear that the moon does have impacts on the weather on Earth, though these impacts are not too significant. Next time looking at the sky and enjoying its brilliant light pouring all around the space, well, we bet that you must find the moonlight not only shiny but also quite delightful, right? And that’s all for today’s post “Here is how the moon affects the weather on Earth!”, hope you found it interesting!