The moon exerts a fascinating influence on Earth, one that goes beyond its role in shaping the tides. It also affects Earth's gravitational pull on objects, including us. When the moon is directly overhead or positioned directly above you, your weight might actually be slightly less due to this celestial interplay. This phenomenon occurs because of the gravitational forces exerted by the moon.
Gravitation is a natural phenomenon by which all things with mass or energy—including planets, stars, galaxies, and even light—are brought toward one another. On Earth, gravity gives weight to physical objects, and the moon's gravity can alter how much something weighs. Essentially, when the moon is directly overhead, its gravitational force pulls on you as well as on Earth.
This additional gravitational pull from the moon can slightly counteract the gravitational force of Earth. Though this effect is minuscule, it's a genuine scientific occurrence known as the "lunar tidal effect." The gravitational attraction between Earth and the moon not only causes the tides of the oceans but also affects the solid body of Earth, albeit to a lesser extent. This deformation is known as Earth tide.
When the Earth is pulled towards the moon at the spot directly underneath the moon, it slightly decreases the force Earth exerts on you. In practical terms, when the moon is directly overhead, the Earth is being nudged away from under your feet. However, this doesn't mean you'll suddenly float away or feel noticeably lighter, as the change in weight caused by the moon’s pull is too small to perceive.
It's calculated that the difference in weight caused by the moon’s gravity when it is directly overhead is only about 0.3 percent of the gravity exerted by Earth. This means that if a person weighs 150 pounds, the moon's direction might reduce their weight by less than half an ounce—a change that is not directly noticeable but intriguing to consider.
This subtle effect is a reminder of the profound connectedness between celestial bodies and the surprisingly tangible ways in which deep space phenomena touch upon our everyday lives. Even if we can't feel this slight weight difference, understanding it deepens our appreciation of the dynamism and complexity of the universe.
