Space Liberalisation
In a bold move signalling a paradigm shift in its approach to space exploration, India has opened its doors wider to the global space industry.
“Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.”
― Mark Twain
Moon has been a companion for man and his imagination since times immemorial. The good ‘ol moon has also been a constant source of musing for the earthlings who associate the celestial body with fascinating myths and theories.
A source of comfort and companionship for poets and sleepless lovers, the moon is often regarded as a celestial body that evokes emotions in humans and often determines their actions specially during the full moon night. Here are a few fascinating and intriguing theories and perceptions about the moon:-
Full moons turn people crazy: People since time immemorial have been fearful of the full moon as it is thought to evoke lunatic thoughts and behaviors in humans as well as animals. Some traditions associate full moon to be a time when some humans transform themselves into werewolves. In some culture, people with mental disorders were chained during the full moon to unable them to roam around and create problems.
Who lives on the Moon: According to another popular legend, it is said that Chang O, a Chinese girl was banished to the moon because she stole a mortality potion from her husband and was punished to live alone on the moon.
Another legend says that a rabbit, popularly known as the Jade Rabbit, lives on the moon and can be seen with a pestle. Although the tales seem to change with every culture, it is said that the rabbit that watches over the earth is a companion to the moon god. In recent times some proponents also suggest evidence of alien life on the moon.
Supermoon can create disasters: The super moon phenomenon happens when the moon is at its closest to earth. But studies conducted by researchers have not found anything out of ordinary apart from the high tide phenomenon observed during the full moon phase.
Apollo moon landings were fake: One of the popular conspiracy theories, it is believed that Apollo moon landings were faked by NASA. Believers of such a claim refuse the overwhelming evidence of such a journey vehemently.
Moon is a symbol of fertility: In many cultures, moon is also considered to be associated with fertility.
Although there may exists hundreds of myths and legends and even popular folklore about the moon, none of those those has been scientifically proven to be true. Moon has always found a way to feature in varied urban legends and popular cultural references, making it one of the most frequently quoted celestial bodies.
–By Sushmita Kamrupa
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