The moonlight effect in the research world is the tendency of people to overstate the wisdom, insight and resourcefulness of researchers. It is the inclination to overrate the importance of researchers. Like the moon, people commonly assume that researchers illuminate society with their own knowledge. However, researchers are not the actual sources of most of the knowledge as the moon is not the actual source of light.
In most ‘blue sky’ research, where intellectual ambition is the main motive for research and real-world application of the research outputs is questionable, researchers ‘search and identify’ knowledge. However, in practical research, which is driven by public opinion, the main source of knowledge is the public. The role of the researchers is mainly to transform that knowledge in to a more informative and utilizable form.
Moonlight: Preparation & Precautions
Of course, the natural response when presented with such compelling evidence is to ask how one can avoid the risks posed by Lunar rays. Unfortunately, the Moon is an almost ever-present feature of our lives, and it emits its injurious beams for a considerable period almost every twenty-four hours.
The most important step, therefore, is to be aware of when such emissions are most likely to take place. Thankfully the Moon's emanations are regular, and therefore with sufficient research can be predicted, so that one can take steps to avoid it when it is most dangerous. Depending on your location, the apparent state of the Lunar cycle may vary, so we advise that you conduct independent, Zetetically rigorous research, preferably through remote means such as video cameras or specialized means of filtrating and projecting its light. You will soon record a cycle lasting approximately nine and-a-half days, punctuated by varying but regular degrees of Lunar emissions.
As the above research indicates that the harmful effects of the Moon correspond with the quantity of Moonlight to which one is exposed, the Full Moon is obviously particularly dangerous, as indeed are the Waxing and Waning Gibbous. Exposure to Moonlight during these periods should be kept to a bare minimum, and ideally should be limited to situations where contact is either necessary or unavoidable. The Waxing and Waning Crescent are obviously less dangerous, but nevertheless it is advised that one should not be foolhardy, as the limited amount of light produced by the Moon during these periods will be more than offset by any extensive exposure.
During the standard Lunar cycle, keeping regular hours and remaining indoors after dark should be enough to prevent illness in the majority of cases. However, many people may find themselves in situations where they are forced to expose themselves to Moonlight. In such cases, noted Zetetic James MacIntyre has the following advice:
Quote from: James on September 23, 2010, 06:28:17 PM
When viewing the Moon, or expecting to face exposure to the Moon, please try to follow these procedures:
Wear sunglasses Dark glasses may protect your eyes, which are particularly sensitive, from Moon rays which can damage your eyes.
Cover any exposed skin Cases of Moonlight exposure to bare skin can be particularly severe. Always wear long sleeves, gloves and a hat. A balaclava or thick scarf can protect your nose, mouth, cheeks and ears from the Moon.
He also advices that even when one is inside, one should ensure that your shelter is adequately sealed and protected:
Quote from: James on September 23, 2010, 06:28:17 PM
Protect your home Moonlight can seep in through uncovered windows, doors and skylights. Make sure that you have thick curtains, or, better still, shutters on major windows which are likely to face the Moon. You may find it useful to tape reflective material, such as aluminium foil (shiny side out) on gaps in your home, or even on the windows themselves, in order to improve Moon-protection further.
Finally, one should take precautions to ensure the safety of any other biological life for which you may be responsible:
Quote from: James on September 23, 2010, 06:28:17 PM
Make sure your pets are safe The Moon can hurt animals just as much as humans. Consider bringing your pets indoors during the evening, or if you intend to let them roam the night, you may want to wrap them up in protective clothing just as you did with yourself!
Watch out for plants Moonlight can putrefy many varieties of unsuspecting garden plant. Most flowers close their petals at night in order to protect them from Moon rays, but during the Super-harvest Moon this may not be enough. You may want to cover even self-defending flowers and other plants with aluminium foil or another protective material.
Though such measures should prove sufficent during the standard Lunar cycle, there are also occasional spikes in Lunar radiance, notably events such as the Super Moon and Super Harvest Moon. Though rare, during these events the Moon's intensity is noticeably greater, and thus its effects are especially powerful. During these crises, MacIntyre suggests that "it may be safer to stay indoors entirely and avoid exposure". Indeed, some have even suggested that such events may cause an increase in the number of natural disasters here on Earth. Accordingly, it may best to store or stockpile the following items:
Several days worth of clean water, uncontaminated by Lunar rays. Filling spare bottles, baths and sinks before hand is a useful strategy.
Proteinous tinned food and vegetables, along with any other non-perishables.
A portable gas stove with plenty of spare gas cannisters.
A fully-equipped first-aid kit.
An emergency heat source, and sufficient blankets and other insulative materials.
At least two high-quality flashlights, with plenty of spare batteries. If disaster strikes, you may be without electricity, and (for obvious reasons) you will be unable to navigate by Moonlight - indeed you should be sealed off in complete darkness. Make sure to have several high-quality flashlights that will run efficiently and reliably.
At least one multi-tool, and ideally a decent knife and perhaps a folding saw and hatchet.
Depending on the situation, it may be advisable to stock several firearms and plenty of ammunition, depending on local laws. Natural disasters often bring out the worst in some people, and under the deleterious influence of a Super (Harvest) Moon it could be even worse. Do not seek violence, but be prepared to defend you and your family from the exposed.
So that our members are aware of such crises, we will endeavour to keep an updated list of immanent Super Moon events, detailing the date, duration and (when possible) intensity of these spikes in Lunar activity.
The Zetetic Lunar Calendar
Ancient cultures across the world and throughout history have given names to the first Full Moon of a given month, and following the wisdom of the ancients, I consider this a useful way to categorise and refer to Lunar phenomena. However, as a host of different names exist, I felt it would be wise to create a Zetetic Lunar Calendar, choosing 12 names from among the various appellative Lunar traditions. This provides us with a common vocabulary with which to discuss Lunar events.
The Zetetic Lunar Calendar is as follows:
* January: The Wolf Moon
* February: The Hunger Moon
* March: The Death Moon
* April: The Waking Moon
* May: The Milk Moon
* June: The Hot Moon
* July: The Mead Moon
* August: The Red Moon
* September: The Harvest Moon
* October: The Dying Grass Moon
* November: The Hunter's Moon
* December: The Oak Moon
These names will be also be used in the Lunar Forecast below.
The Zetetic Lunar Calendar
The Zetetic Lunar Calendar is as follows:
January: The Wolf Moon
February: The Hunger Moon
March: The Death Moon
April: The Waking Moon
May: The Milk Moon
June: The Hot Moon
July: The Mead Moon
August: The Red Moon
September: The Harvest Moon
October: The Dying Grass Moon
November: The Hunter's Moon
December: The Oak Moon
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