On the Erroneous Correlation between Earthquakes and Eclipses

TL;DR

This paper debunks the myth that earthquakes are correlated with lunar eclipses, showing that such beliefs are based on misinterpreted coincidences rather than scientific evidence.

Contribution

It critically reviews historical and modern claims linking earthquakes to eclipses, clarifying the misconceptions and fallacious perceptions behind these beliefs.

Findings

No scientific correlation between earthquakes and eclipses

Historical beliefs were based on coincidence and misinterpretation

Modern theories lack empirical support

Abstract

A long-lasting belief is that the gravitational stress by the moon would be responsible for earthquakes because of causing a tidal deformation of Earth's crust. Even worse, earthquakes are sometimes said to be correlated with eclipses. We review the origin of this wrong statement and show that the idea is owed to a fallacious perception of coincidence. In ancient times the two catastrophes were linked interpreting the announcement of Doomsday, while in modern times a quasi-scientific essay disseminated such an interrelation shortly before the theory of tectonics.