Scientists call for the protection of scientific sites on the lunar surface

Astronomers have announced that areas on the lunar surface that could be used for scientific research are under threat due to increasing initiatives and have called for their protection.

According to a report by The Guardian, a study conducted by scientists stated that these areas, which are shielded from the interference of signals from Earth, free from ground vibrations, and possess the low temperatures required by some scientific instruments, are highly suitable for observation.

It was emphasized that these regions, referred to as Sites of Extraordinary Scientific Importance (SESIs), are in danger of being destroyed due to potential near-future lunar missions such as lunar navigation and communication satellites, rovers, and mining operations, and therefore require urgent protection.

Dr. Martin Elvis, an astronomer at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, warned, "For the first time, humanity needs to decide how we will expand into the Solar System. We are in danger of losing unparalleled opportunities to understand the universe."

Elvis added that the lunar surface contains craters that hold ice and receive sunlight year-round at their peaks, making these areas important points for energy, water, and oxygen necessary for experiments, lunar bases, and mining activities.

The scientists conducting the research noted that without a coordinating authority, there is nothing to prevent future conflicts on the Moon.

Scientists warned that physical collisions, dust clouds and vibrations that could be caused by mining activities on the lunar surface, electromagnetic emissions from communication and GPS satellites in lunar orbit, and potential mining activities in "SESIs" pose a risk.

By the end of 2026, at least 22 international research missions to the Moon are planned, half of which are aimed at regions near the south pole, and other missions are also envisioned for the future.

Furthermore, there are plans for two lunar bases to become operational in the 2030s, one belonging to the US and the other to Russia-China.

Scientists plan to place scientific instruments on the lunar surface by the end of 2020, such as optical, infrared, X-ray, and radio telescopes, particle detectors to study solar wind and cosmic rays, and gravitational wave detectors that sense vibrations in the fabric of space-time when black holes and neutron stars collide.

The far side of the Moon is the quietest region in the Solar System in terms of radio waves because it blocks signals coming from Earth.

On the far side of the Moon, which has very mountainous terrain, there are only 3 regions suitable for establishing large radio telescope arrays that would research the early periods of the universe, the time before stars formed, and signs of possible "alien life."

On the other hand, the US-based company Interlune plans to mine Helium-3 in the "Mare Moscoviense" area, one of these regions, for use in the quantum computing and fusion energy industry.

Meteor craters in the Moon's north and south polar regions are the coldest places in the universe because they have not received sunlight for billions of years.

It is noted that these regions, with temperatures lower than minus 200 degrees Celsius, are suitable for very large infrared telescopes. With these telescopes, it is planned to search for Earth-sized planets around distant stars and their atmospheres for possible life.

The results of the research were published in "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A".