Moon, Earth, and Sun nearly aligned, with Earth in the middle. The visible face fully lit. The Moon rises in the east exactly when the Sun sets and stays visible all night long.
The pattern
The most talked-about phase of the cycle, and for good reason. Lunar light is at its peak. The night environment becomes significantly brighter. That changes melatonin chemistry in many people.
The most consistent reports:
- Lighter sleep, more frequent waking
- More emotional intensity, both up and down
- More sociability, more drive to be in groups
- For people who menstruate, often (but not always) coincides with cycle points
