Located at an average distance of 238,555 miles away and spanning 6783.5 miles in circumference, the Moon is one of our most interesting, grand, and mysterious heavenly bodies. From lighting up the night sky to exerting control over our tides with its gravitational pull, the Moon is also an important part of our ecosystem, and this has made it the subject of academic debate, artistic endeavor, and even pop culture productions. Think about the tear-jerkingly beautiful “Clair de lune” (1905) by Claude Debussy or the pioneering Le Voyage dans le lune movie (“A Trip to the Moon”) by George Méliès in 1902. And who could forget the ghastly moon from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)?
Perhaps the greatest interaction we’ve had with the Moon, however, is when Neil Armstong and Buzz Aldrin walked on its surface in 1969 (the third astronaut, Michael Collins, remained in orbit above them). In 2021, the U.N. declared July 20 – their landing date – to be “International Moon Day,” as part of Resolution 76/76 on “international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.” In commemoration of this giant leap for mankind, then, the Zazzle Ideas team has turned its attention skyward, compiling some of our favorite things about the Moon!
Moon Histories: The Story So Far
A lot of what we know about the Moon was recorded as far back as ancient times. In Egyptian, Roman, and Greek society, the Moon was associated with gods and goddesses (Khonshu, Selene, and Luna respectively). But it was also a Greek mathematician, Hipparchus, who calculated the approximate distance between the Earth and Moon in the second century BCE. And in ancient China and the Middle East, observers were able to monitor the phases and motion of the Moon to the extent that they could predict eclipses – work which later proved to be of value to modern astronomers.
Of course, to study the Moon is one thing; to travel to it is another. By the 1950s, the launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite had initiated the ‘Space Race’: a Cold War contest to explore space which ended with the arrival of Armstrong and Aldrin on the Moon in 1969. Most people are familiar with the Apollo 11 project, but their flight was actually preceded by several other tests and scouting missions (‘Apollos’ 1-10, between 1967 and 1969). Today, several countries, including the U.S., are planning a return to the Moon, which, with our 21st-century technology, should be illuminating!
Moon Mysteries: The Theory Right Now
On the other hand, much about the Moon remains shrouded in mystery. Because the Moon rotates on its own axis at the same speed that it orbits the Earth (due to a phenomenon called ‘tidal locking’), we consistently see only one side of the Moon. The ‘far’ or ‘dark side’ of the Moon, as Pink Floyd put it, was only captured on film in 1959, thanks to the Luna 3 spacecraft. Uncertainty also exists when it comes to the formation of the Moon. The most pervasive theory supposes a giant impact that took place billions of years ago, when Earth and another small planet collided in space. Enough debris was scattered in this event that it eventually coalesced into the Moon!
As for the alleged ‘Man in the Moon’: that face we read in the surface of the Moon is a combination of maria (dark, lunar plains) and highlands (brighter, higher ground). Other cultures have their own legends and interpretations, however, with people in China, Korea, and Japan seeing a rabbit in various poses instead!
Moon Activities: The Fun That’s Yet to Come
Have we piqued your interest with our discussion of Moon Day thus far? If a visit to outer space is – quite understandably – beyond your reach this July 20th, then here are some other ways to make the most of the Moon!
Moon Rituals
You don’t have to travel very far to benefit from the Moon – you can bathe in its ethereal beauty from your very own backyard. Indeed, according to Yogapedia, moonlight can have as powerful an effect as sunlight, triggering the release of melatonin and promoting good physical and mental health. To have a ‘moon bath,’ simply take a night-time walk on the beach, lie on a blanket as darkness approaches, or end your day with a peaceful outdoor yoga session. You could also practice your moonbathing indoors, and light some scented candles around the tub for another cleansing experience.
Using the Moon in Astrology
We like to think of ourselves as “astrological gurus” (we described ourselves as such in an article on “Everything You Need to Know About Mercury Retrograde“). But did you know that Mercury isn’t the only celestial body that can have an impact on our thoughts, feelings, and behavior? In astrology, “moon mapping” refers to the “art of aligning your life and efforts with the phases of the moon”; for instance, a new moon is an auspicious time to start new goals. For further guidance, consult a deck of tarot cards – the Moon is part of the Major Arcana.
Journaling and the Moon
Finally, for those who like to keep a journal or stockpile manifestation notebooks, the phases of the Moon provide an opportunity for self-care and self-improvement. Set yourself a goal and aim to execute said goal within the next lunar cycle (29.5 days). Then document your progress in line with the phases of the Moon: did your excitement start to wane, or were you able to wax lyrical about your accomplishments? Pick up some interstellar posters or a calendar to stay inspired, and read “The Benefits of Journaling” for more information!
International Moon Day only takes place once a year, but we can revel in the Moon’s mysterious glow all year round! To learn more about tomorrow’s event, take one small step over to the Moon Village Association’s official website. You can also visit your nearest planetarium, library, or public observatory to expand your knowledge even further!
Eoin is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork. He’s recently bought a house with his fiancée, and thus most of his time these days is spent trying to keep the walls from caving in and the wolves from the door. Still, he’s always open to book, game, and movie recommendations, so if you have some, let him know: he’ll add them to a very, very long list.
