Main content

The Bad Moon Rising

Does the full moon make us act strangely? Crime, suicide and accidents are all said to increase when the moon reaches maximum. But is this really true?

'A teacher I work with swears that around the time of the full moon kids are rowdier in the classroom, and more marital disharmony in the community," says Jeff Boone from El Paso in Texas. 'Is there any biological reason why the moon's phases could affect human moods and behaviour?'

Our scientific sleuths sift through the evidence to find out if the moon really does inspire lunacy. They consider Othello's testimony, a study on dog bites and homicides in Florida before coming to a conclusion based on current scientific evidence.

Featuring neuroscientist Eric Chudler from the University of Washington and health broadcaster and author Claudia Hammond.

If you have any Curious Cases for the team to solve please email curiouscases@bbc.co.uk

Presenters: Adam Rutherford & Hannah Fry
Producer: Michelle Martin.

Available now

15 minutes

Clip

Broadcast

  • Thu 8 Dec 2016 12:04

Why do you see faces in unexpected places?

We are 鈥渉ardwired鈥 for recognising faces and it starts at birth.

Podcast