There’s also some evidence that a full moon can lead to less deep sleep and a delay in entering into REM sleep. In addition, some studies have shown a slight change in cardiovascular conditions during a full moon. Scientists continue to study how the moon influences various physiological and psychological systems.

At the most simplistic level, we could say the moon is pulling on our emotional centres, and at the new and full moon, its pull is maximized. While the moon’s magnetic effect is not creating a physical movement of water in our bodies (according to science), it could be bringing heightened emotions to surface.

During a full moon, the gravitational pull increases. It can affect brain function, leading to greater feelings of arousal. It leads to humans having more energy, feeling more extroverted and connected to our partner, and having more interest in sex.

If you feel a bit more sleepy, rather than re-energized, then the full moon may still be the culprit, astrology says. “The full moon disrupts the deepest phase of sleep, the REM phase, as the cosmic night light can cause poor sleep quality,” Stardust says.

The moon influences life as we know it on Earth. It influences our oceans, weather, and the hours in our days. Without the moon, tides would fall, nights would be darker, seasons would change, and the length of our days would alter.

The moon has been drifting away from Earth for 4.5 billion years. A stunning animation shows how far it has gone. The moon is moving away from Earth at a rate of 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches) per year, but the speed of its retreat has varied over time.

The outer layers of the Sun could reach all the way to the Earth. This would slow the Moon down, sending it falling towards the Earth. As it gets closer to the Earth it would start ripping apart, before crashing into the Earth. In either case, an exploding Moon, by natural means at least, is pretty unlikely for now.

In short, the Moon makes Earth a more livable place. What if it suddenly sped up, and started driving in Earth’s direction? The Moon’s plan to destroy Earth by bumping into it would break into pieces the moment it reaches the Roche limit. The Moon itself would shatter, never making it to Earth’s surface.

It is cold on Titan (surface temperature of about -290 degrees F). And people would need to wear respirators to breathe oxygen, since the atmosphere is mostly nitrogen. The light on Titan is a little dim, like just after a sunset here on Earth, due to the haze particles in the thick atmosphere.

A 2015 review concluded that the exoplanets Kepler-62f, Kepler-186f and Kepler-442b were likely the best candidates for being potentially habitable. These are at a distance of 1,200, 490 and 1,120 light-years away, respectively.

Europa has a thin oxygen atmosphere, but it is far too tenuous for humans to breathe. From the surface of Europa, Jupiter appears 24 times larger than the moon appears in our sky. Europa’s magnetic field shields its surface from Jupiter’s deadly radiation.

A new study shown by NASA scientists at the Goldschmidt conference this week provides further evidence that Europa’s ocean is habitable and similar to Earth’s oceans. Europa has many cracks in its otherwise smooth surface.

Such planets have the right distance from their star to support water, plus a suitable temperature and atmosphere to support life. “We have now got good planet confirmation with Kepler-22b,” said Bill Borucki, Kepler principal investigator at NASA Ames Research Center.

Breathing on Mars Without a pressure suit, no amount of breathable oxygen delivered by any means will sustain oxygen-breathing life for more than a few minutes. In these conditions humans die within minutes unless a pressure suit provides life support.