| The full moon is a lunar phase, at which the difference between the ecliptic longitudes of the Sun and Moon equals to 180 degrees. It means that the Sun, Earth and Moon are approximately in a straight line. At a full moon, the moon looks like a shining disc.
An orthoclase (moonstone) is a talisman, for those who are born during a full moon;
Important events which took place during full moon:
* The exodus of Jews from Egypt, Pesach, Festival of Passover - 14 Nisan;
* The birth, enlightenment (leaving into Nirvana) and death of Buddha;
* Chaitra Purnima – the birthday of queen MayaDevi the mother of Buddha, is celebrated during the full moon in Lumbini;
* Old Olympic games were started on the first full moon after the summer solstice;
* The resurrection of Jesus Christ;
* The birth and death of the prophet Mohammed – 12th of Rabi Al Awal month in the Year of the Elephant;
* 18.2.1482 - The birth of the avatar Chaitanya Mahaprabhu;
* During a full moon mythical werewolves turn into animals.
The new moon is a lunar phase, at which the ecliptic longitudes of the Sun and Moon coincide, i.e., the Sun, Moon and Earth are in a straight line (whereas the Moon is located in the center).
Sometimes it is possible to observe a solar eclipse during a new moon.
As a rule, the moon is not visible during a new moon; however, sometimes it is possible to notice a poorly illuminated disc “ash color” (sun light, reflected from the Earth) when the atmosphere is clear. It is also possible to identify the presence of the moon in the sky according to the eclipse of the stars (“Eclipse of stars” by the Moon).
The interval between new moons constitute 29.530 ' 588 2 days (the synodic month). |
From the old times, people believed that the full moon strongly affects human behavior, causing higher birthrates, fertility, sleep walking, and suicides. Lunar phase days were also linked to werewolves, vampires, and witches. Police officers and emergency room staff nowadays consider full moon days especially unlucky and full of crimes and accidents.
