Earthquakes coincide with the full moon

2001/02/09 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Geologia

Russian physicists have seen that the surface neutron radiation flashes are related to the earthquake. According to them, this phenomenon can be used to predict earthquakes.

In areas with seismic activity, researchers at the University of Moscow have found that in times of full moon and new moon the intensity of neutron radiation increases considerably. The force of the tides causes increases of neutrons that are responsible for the earthquakes. According to scientists, neutron elevations can be used as an indication of the earthquake.

They measured the changes in neutron currents between night and day in the Pamir of Tadjikistan, at 1100 meters above sea level. The neutron flashes observed a period of twelve hours, which shows that the maximum wave of tide is related to the passage through the terrestrial surface and the rise of neutrons. In the days of new or full moon, when the moon, earth and sun are aligned, the effect of gravitation is maximum. Consequently, the force of the tides produces a deformation of the terrestrial surface. From the cracks that occur, atomic and nuclear particles are released, as well as radioactive gases containing radon isotopes. The deterioration of surface and aerial isotopes produces numerous alpha particles.

These alpha particles are products between radioactive gases and neutrons. The researchers measured the alpha particle currents in the Pamir and observed variations with respect to the terrestrial average. Indeed, the measured level was twelve times higher than the average. In addition, the number of neutrons increased.

The researchers analysed the earthquakes that occurred between 1964 and 1992, especially in the Pacific area that suffered numerous earthquakes. Most earthquakes began on days of full or new moon, or a couple of days before or after. In those days, the strength of neutron radiation was twelve times higher than the normal level in territories with seismic activity. Consequently, scientists affirm that in the short-term predictions of earthquakes, the measure of rapid neutrons can be used.