Satellite data has revealed that temperatures in the polar regions of both northern and southern hemispheres fluctuate markedly with the waxing and waning of the Moon. According to John Shaffer and his colleagues at the Department of [ogy at Arizona State University in rempe, average temperatures in the Axtic and Antarctic are more than D.550C higher around the full moon than at the new moon. The cause appears to be a strong transfer of [teat in the atmosphe .re towards the al pull of a full moon changing ftd patterns. The study suggests it the polar regions are likely to be we sensitive to global warming. evious studies had revealed a .all fluctuation of around 0.02'C Lnciding with the monthly lunar Ae. With this study researchers ve got further evidence that the tar regions are likely to be more isitive to global warming. mate models consistently predict it warming will occur three times fast in the Arctic and Antarctic as the tropics. The findings are significant but Shaffer admits that Ration from the moon may in ne way have affected the satellite ;trumentation (New Scientist, 1154, No 2080).
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.