Researchers say ‘global consensus’ is needed within the next few years to protect scientifically important sites
Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon, described the landscape he stepped on to as “magnificent desolation”. The Apollo landing sites were particularly bland, which was, of course, Nasa’s intention. The spots were selected, in part, for the smoothness of the surface and the lack of troublesome hills, cliffs and craters.
But in the past two decades, lunar research has revealed a richer picture of our natural satellite. Lunar pits that serve as skylights lead down to lava tubes big enough to house moon bases that would be naturally shielded from space radiation by overhanging rock. Deep craters at the lunar poles harbour ice deposits, a source of precious water, oxygen and hydrogen. Some are bordered by high ridges that catch the sun – crucial for solar power – all year round. Mixed into all that soil and rock is all manner of other valuable resources: titanium, aluminium, helium-3, precious metals and rare earth elements.
