The hype of the supermoon

The barrage of supermoon news already appears excessive. There seems to be too much hype. The moon will be 30% brighter and slightly bigger—so what? All the credible news sources on TV and online would bear out that there's nothing really consequential about the moon reaching its perigee. Everybody's talking about it like it's some highly significant event.

Admittedly, despite the seeming balderdash, the supermoon is an event worth observing. It's like one of those things in your childhood you would love remembering or doing again. The moon's color and fullness as it rises from the horizon provide a majestic view that can catch the attention of anyone. Moreover, the myths and lore surrounding the supermoon can likewise be intriguing.

One of the myths associated with a full moon (especially with an unusually bigger and brighter one) is the alleged ability of the moon to cause insanity. There are those who somewhat invoke science in explaining the myth by saying that the gravitational pull of the moon gets stronger as it comes nearer to Earth, hence causing cerebral abnormalities. Until now, no scientific study proves that the possible rise of the gravitational pull of the moon has any significant effect on Earth other than causing a higher high tide. Gravity does not factor in but insanity is possible to occur among those who ridiculously obsess with the belief that the moon is certain to bring forth sinister consequences.

Another myth involving the supermoon is the increased instances of disasters or calamitous events. Scientific facts readily dispel this myth so there shouldn't be any reason to change your plans simply because a supermoon is looming. Again, the increase of lunar gravitational pull on Earth is too low to cause earthquakes, more lightening, tsunamis, hailstorms, or tornadoes. A big bright full moon is just too beautiful to be linked with rising incidences of calamities.

Furthermore, the association of a full moon with the increased activities of supernatural beings or forces is something that can hardly be ignored. Up to this day, many still believe that there are sinister entities that become more powerful during a full moon—most especially during a supermoon. Needless saying, scientific thinking would lead anyone to easily dismiss such association. However, the undying claims and anecdotes of many people from different parts of the world perpetuate the question and doubts on whether or not there are supernatural beings who manifestly become more active in the presence of a big bright moon.

I am in the belief that the way news are presented about the supermoon diminishes the "prestige" of the event. Observing and savoring the moon's regal and inexplicable beauty is something personal to me so having too much said and insinuated about it smacks of being reductive.