On the Moon's Influence on Weather
Kant examines Lichtenberg's claim about possible lunar influence on weather. He compares the alleged observation with the physical mechanisms then available for consideration.
Understanding the text
The 1794 essay belongs to the history of natural science. Its astronomical and meteorological hypotheses should not be treated as present-day forecasts.
Key points
- 01
Question
An apparent correlation between lunar phases and weather calls for precise investigation.
- 02
Mechanisms
Kant discusses light and gravitational attraction among possible means of influence at a distance.
- 03
Observation
Hypotheses require comparable observations and remain distinct from the facts they interpret.
How to read it
Read the proposed mechanisms as historical hypotheses to compare with modern meteorological knowledge.
Editions & sources
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗