In the latest move, international scientists have emphasized scientific sites on the Moon that could be very important for future astronomy. These locations are called sites of special scientific importance (abbreviated as SESIS).
Scientists warn that many scientific sites on the Moon could be violated by massive settlement plans on the Moon. (Photo: BBC.UK)
They are said to be one of the best spots in the Solar System for placing scientific equipment to research, launch, and collect signals from the distant universe. Thanks to this, they can help explore mysteries such as the role of dark matter and dark energy. These locations could even help in the search for distant alien life.
However, according to a report from The Guardian, future human activity on the Moon could prevent important scientific activities from taking place. That's because technologies used in future lunar colonies and settlements could interfere with the signals of scientific instruments planned for use, exploration, and research on the Moon. Moon.
They also warn that future missions could create a lot of problems, especially when it is difficult for the world's space powers to cooperate and coordinate together. For example, future resource extraction or settlement missions could spread dust and damage important scientific sites, while electromagnetic interference could affect scientific equipment.
A wave of communications and navigation satellites and rovers on the Moon could jam sites of special scientific importance. Up to 22 international missions could reach the Moon by 2026. Therefore, scientists warn that urgent action is needed.
This is especially the case if the profits of space corporations are placed above the goals of the global space research scientific community.
Additionally, scientists urge caution as humanity seeks to expand its presence in the Solar System. Dr. Martin Elvis, an astronomer at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Massachusetts, explains: “This is the first time humanity has had to decide how we will expand into the Solar System”. He also said: “Otherwise, we risk losing unique opportunities to understand the universe".
This move is even more remarkable when recently the US, Russia and China all announced that they set the ultimate goal of harvesting water ice from the Moon's south pole to build permanent bases on the Moon.
