The Promise of Astronomy on the Moon

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Paul Spudis

In a new post over at Air & Space, I consider the history of efforts to conduct astronomical observations from the lunar surface.  Comment here if so inclined.

This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to The Promise of Astronomy on the Moon

  1. Joe says:
    March 22, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    An interesting article.

    If the time ever comes when extensive astronomical activity is to take place on the moon. I would be interesting to know how much the advent of 3D Printing might enhance the development of large lunar surface astronomical facilities.

  2. Marcel Williams says:
    March 23, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    Because the Hubble is in low Earth orbit, it can only remained fixed on a celestial object for only very short periods of time. But if a Hubble sized telescope (~11.2 tonnes) was placed on the lunar surface, it could take full advantage of the long lunar day or night (14 days) to absorb light from distant objects.

    A lunar optical telescope near a lunar outpost would also have the advantage of being relatively easy to maintain by astronauts while repairs or adjustments to a Lagrange point telescope would require an expensive beyond LEO mission.

    Marcel

Comments are closed.