Rush to Return Humans to the Moon Could Threaten Opportunities for Astronomy

The 2020s have witnessed numerous lunar landing attempts, though many have ended in crashes or failures. The excitement surrounding the return of humans to the Moon presents opportunities for both commercial interests and scientific research.

Historically, the Moon has been a focal point of human curiosity and exploration. The Space Race of the 1960s, primarily between the United States and the Soviet Union, culminated in the Apollo missions, with Apollo 11 landing the first humans on the Moon in 1969. This era marked significant advancements in space technology and geopolitical competition. Today, the renewed interest in lunar exploration is driven by both scientific aspirations and commercial ventures.

The Moon’s Unique Research Potential

The Moon offers a unique environment for building telescopes that are not feasible on Earth due to satellite interference and the Earth’s magnetic field blocking radio waves. Recently, astronomers have begun to consider the potential conflicts between expanding our knowledge of the universe and the geopolitical and commercial interests in lunar exploration.

Lunar Bases by 2035

By 2035, both American and Chinese rockets could establish long-term lunar bases, particularly near the Moon’s south pole. This region is attractive due to its near-constant solar power and the potential presence of water in the form of ice in permanently shadowed craters. These craters, which have remained in darkness for billions of years, could hold significant amounts of water, essential for sustaining human life and activities on the Moon.

Telescopes on the Moon

Human bases on the Moon open new opportunities for astronomy. The far side of the Moon, shielded from Earth’s radio interference, is ideal for recording low-frequency radio waves from the universe’s “Dark Ages.” Additionally, the Moon’s poles are suitable for gravitational wave detectors, which could provide insights into black hole mergers and the evolution of black holes. The cold lunar poles also enhance the sensitivity of infrared telescopes, aiding the search for life on Earth-like planets beyond our solar system.

Conflicting Interests

However, the rush to establish lunar bases could compromise the conditions that make the Moon attractive for research. Mining for water and other valuable elements, such as helium-3, could create vibrations and radio emissions that interfere with sensitive telescopes. Planned internet and GPS satellite constellations around the Moon could also disrupt astronomical observations.

The Need for Compromise

To address these conflicts, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) established the working group Astronomy from the Moon in 2024. This group aims to identify and preserve key sites for astronomical research and engage with the United Nations to facilitate cooperation among scientists, astronauts, and commercial entities.

Summary

• The 2020s have seen numerous lunar landing attempts, with renewed interest in human exploration of the Moon.
• The Moon offers unique opportunities for building telescopes due to its lack of satellite interference and magnetic field.
• By 2035, American and Chinese rockets could establish long-term lunar bases near the Moon’s south pole.
• The far side of the Moon and its poles are ideal for various astronomical observations, including low-frequency radio waves and gravitational waves.
• The rush to build lunar bases could interfere with astronomical research due to mining activities and satellite constellations.
• The IAU’s working group Astronomy from the Moon aims to identify and preserve key sites for research and promote international cooperation.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.