Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to Build astronomical observatories on the Moon?

Overrated a bit.
TB — (archived)

Given the premise of a space transportation/support system capable of constructing and supporting lunar observatories;

And given that we are talking about that sort of astronomical research that cannot be done from Earth;

I can't see any applications that could not just as easily be accomplished by an astronomical facility orbiting in space, either around the Earth, or somewhere in cis-lunar space. For the record, this goes for ALL space observation needs.

There may be some exceptions.

It's possible radio astronomy might be enhanced by having the Moon between your system and the Earth. Back of the Moon might be a good place for this.

Some forms of astronomy requiring multiple facilities linked into a large one (like the "long baseline" systems) might work better on a planetary surface than trying to "station keep" free-flyers, but I understand the tech for the latter is pretty good right now.

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