Astronomical research on the Moon may become a reality in the future. Plans are currently being developed to place equipment such as infrared telescopes, gravitational wave detectors and radio telescopes on our natural satellite. In addition, scientists plan to use the capabilities of lunar observations to look for signs of extraterrestrial biosignals.

However, some scientists have expressed concerns about possible interference from other planned lunar projects that could negatively impact astronomical research. To preserve the possibility of carrying out these studies, astronomers are working on the development of an observation policy in cooperation with the United Nations.

The initiative group on this issue is headed by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which brings together more than 12,000 professional astronomers from different countries of the world. The IAS group responsible for organizing lunar astronomy is chaired by Richard Greene, who also serves as deputy director of government relations at the University of Arizona Steward Observatory.

MAS Group actively cooperates with other non-governmental organizations to preserve the possibility of astronomical research on the Moon. Its members include the heads of radio observatories closely associated with the International Telecommunication Union and the World Radiocommunication Conference, which are concerned with the review and revision of global agreements on the use of radio frequencies and satellite orbits.

Members of the working group are trying to ensure the preservation of various frequencies, including those necessary for the study of the early universe and the observation of planetary auroras. Another approach is to preserve certain areas of the Moon suitable for hosting telescopes or gravitational wave detectors.

Richard Green states: “We aim to achieve a common goal with other parties who wish to protect historically significant areas or propose special areas for water and mineral extraction. “The UN Committee on the Uses of Outer Space could be a platform where a process could be developed to recognize and protect these areas and resolve conflicting claims.”

The IAS Lunar Astronomy Working Group includes space law and policy experts who can provide a framework to protect the interests of scientific research. The group’s main goal is to make astronomical observations that are only possible from the Moon. Members of the group also include researchers specializing in lunar missions to engage the astronomy community in identifying priority areas of high scientific interest and considering research topics.

The idea of ​​protecting lunar areas, similar to the system of Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) used in Antarctica, is supported by Ian Crawford, professor of planetary science and astrobiology at Birkbeck College London. He believes that certain lunar regions, including polar craters and key areas on the far side of the Moon, should be designated as “Regions for Special Scientific Purposes” and protected accordingly.

The near future will see the first NASA-funded science experiments delivered to the Moon by the CLPS robotic exploration program. One such experiment, developed by Professor Jack Burns, is called ROLSES. If successful, ROLSES will be the first radio telescope on the Moon. Intuitive Machines is expected to be delivered to the moon in February with the Nova-C mission.

LuSEE-Night, planned to be delivered with Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost Mission-2, will be on the Moon within two years. LuSee-Night is a radio telescope designed to study the hitherto invisible periods of the early universe, the period before the birth of the first stars. Given this potential and the prospects for the development of radio astronomy from the Moon, Burns emphasizes the need to develop international agreements to preserve the far side of the Moon for radio astronomy purposes, as it is the only location in the interior of the Solar System. with low radio noise.

Burns emphasizes that radio observations made from the moon have become a scientific fact rather than fiction and have opened a new era in scientific research.