Full Moon Madness: Antarctica's Ice Shelves Are Fracturing at Unprecedented Speed, Scientists Confirm Real. According to a NASA-led study released this week, satellite data shows the Ross and Larsen ice shelves are cracking up to 300% faster during the week of a full moon, as tidal forces accelerate the splitting of ancient ice. While the phenomenon is grounded in real physics—the moon's gravitational pull does stretch polar ice sheets—viral posts claiming these cracks will cause a global sea-level rise of 20 feet overnight are false. Real data shows the fractures are occurring in floating ice shelves, which already displace their weight in water, meaning sudden collapse would not raise sea levels. The real story is that experts are worried, but not about an apocalyptic flood; they are concerned about long-term stability and the potential for inland glaciers to accelerate their slide into the ocean over decades.