They are not "attracted to light", despite popular belief. They use the moon as a navigational aid, keeping it as a point of reference as they fly in a straight line. The moon is far enough away that it stays stationary relative to the moth. But bright artificial lights throw off their navigational systems. The light is enough to overpower the moon, and as the moth tries to keep it at a constant angle to itself, it ends up flying around and around the light instead of going in a straight line, as it does by the more distant moon.
Posted by Boris (Member # 6935) on :
Wow. Thanks man.
Posted by Nato (Member # 1448) on :
In my defense, this is the first dobie I've ever started. Considering I've been here half a year already, I think that shows restraint. If you only knew all the dobies I've thought of and then opted not to post. . . .
Posted by Dead_Horse (Member # 3027) on :