Hence, life on the Moon would be vastly different from the one we are accustomed to here on Earth. There is no air to breathe. There is no water to drink. The weather alternates between extremes of heat and cold. But scientists are trying to work out how we might live there someday.
Related Why Do Scientists Want to Build Moon Bases?
The Moon is close to Earth. It’s only a few days’ travel by spaceship. A moon base could make it easier for us to explore space. It could also assist scientists in studying the Moon’s surface. One day, we might even utilize the Moon as a launch pad for missions to Mars and beyond.
What Do We Need to Survive on the Moon?
To survive on the Moon, people would.
Air: The Moon has no oxygen. Machines would have to manufacture air for us to breathe.
Water: There is frozen water on the Moon. Scientists are experimenting to turn it to water that’s safe to drink.
Food: Food would need to be cultivated in specialized greenhouses or shipped from Earth.
Shelter: Dust coats the surface of the Moon. And there are meteors and, from the Sun, intense radiation. The shelter must be solid, safe and very useful.
How Would We Get Energy?
Moon bases will require energy. Solar panels are the most effective means of obtaining energy on the Moon. For long stretches the Sun shines on the Moon. But solar panels are capable of storing energy so that it can be used when the Sun is not illuminating the Earth.
How Would We Deal Without Gravity?
The Moon has weaker gravity than Earth. This means that astronauts would be lighter and able to jump very high. But an extended life in low gravity can hurt muscles and bones. Scientists are trying out exercises and equipment to keep astronauts healthy.
How Would Moon Bases Work?
Moon bases would require thick walls to shelter them from radiation and meteors. Some of these bases could be constructed underground. Some might be coated in moon dust for added protection. Scientists are also exploring Moon base construction using lunar materials.
What Have We Learned From Past Moon Missions?
We learned a great deal about the Moon during the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s. Astronauts picked up moon rocks and snapped a lot of photos. They also left equipment on the Moon to analyze its surface. This information can assist scientists in preparing for future lunar colonies.
What Are the Challenges?
We’ve talked a lot about life on the Moon being hard. You can have a lot of cooler temperatures at night and really hot weather during the day. There is also no air, no plants and no animals on the Moon. We would have to transport everything we need from Earth or manufacture it on the Moon.
Could We Grow Food on the Moon?
You are on a houseplant galley mission. Scientists are trying to grow food in space. The plants need to survive in low gravity and harsh conditions. Bases on the Moon would require greenhouses with special lights and soil to aid with plant growth.
What Does the Future Hold?
There are plans right now from many countries and companies to build moon bases. Both NASA also has new missions planned for the Moon. They hope to send people back in the next few years. Such missions may be a step towards living on the Moon.
Can We Live on the Moon?
Life on the Moon would be very challenging. But with new technology and a lot of hard work, it may one day be possible. Scientists are thrilled by the potential. You can see Earth from space at a moon base one day!