Relationship between lunar phases and serious crimes of battery: a population-based study
published online 12 March 2009.
Abstract
Objective
The hypothesis of a lunar influence on human abnormal behavior is still widespread, although research has led to conflicting findings. Therefore, a population-based study to assess the influence of lunar phases on violent crimes was conducted.
Methods
The study included all serious crimes of battery (aggravated assaults) committed in Middle Franconia (Bavaria, Germany) between 1999 and 2005 (n = 23 142). Data were analyzed regarding lunar phase, sex, and place of crime scene (outdoor vs indoor).
Results
No significant associations between full, absent, and the moon's interphases and serious crimes of battery could be detected. Furthermore, a Fourier analysis was conducted that failed to produce an association between violence and the moon's phases.
Discussion
Several possible explanations for the presented results are discussed including biological and social mechanisms.
Conclusions
The present study fails to find a significant association between lunar phases and crimes of battery.
aDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
bNational Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
cPolice Department of Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany
ABSTRACT