Uses of the Moon and Possibilities

The Earth have one natural satellite; the Moon. The moon is the closest natural celestial body seen to the naked eye from Earth. Scientists believe it has helped shaped life and climate of the planet over the eons. But is there really any use of it? If so, how can we make use of it?

Let's look into some possibilities..

• As a source of light for the night time

The moon is the brightest celestial body in the night sky. The moon does not produce light by itself; instead it reflects some of the sunlight falling on its surface. The amount of light reaching the Earth from it depends on the phase of the moon in lunar cycle.

• Tidal Energy

The gravitational pull by the moon on Earth generates the tides. Tides can be used as a source of energy to generate electricity.

• As a time record

The orbit of moon takes 29.5 days to complete one cycle relative to the sun. During this period, the shape of the sunlit portion as observed from the Earth determines the phase of the moon. This can be used to track time from days to months to years. (eg: Lunar Calendar)
 

• For aesthetic purposes

Once in a while, the paths of the moon, earth and sun comes in line with each other. Thus, lunar and solar eclipses are produced for a couple of minutes.

• For moon bounce radio communication

The moon can be used as a passive communication satellite to transmit high frequency radio messages from a point on the ground to a farther point of reception.

• As a communication relay, Earth observatory

The revolution and rotation of the moon matches each other resulting in one side of the moon always facing towards the Earth and the other always facing away. This makes it perfect for build structures facing in a fixed direction. Surveillance cameras may be position to detect events on Earth. It will be possible to observe a point on Earth every 25 hours.

• As a base for space exploration

The force of gravity is about 1/6^th of that on Earth. Consequently, it costs less energy to escape moon's gravity. Therefore, it may be a better way to continue space exploration from the moon. Unlike on Earth, there are not enough atmospheric gases to interfere with the view of the cosmos. Therefore, moon based telescopes would be a great idea.

• As a power source

The moon receives sunlight almost all the time. Because of the lack of an atmosphere, it receives more light and radiation than the Earth. This may be a better condition for harvesting solar energy.

Scientists have discovered Helium-3 isotope trapped in the moon. These can be used to produce energy through nuclear fusion.

• For mining resources

Many metals have been found in its soil. Because of the lack of an oxidizing environment, much of the minerals are in pure form. We can utilize these ores to fulfill the demand.

• For scientific experimentation

Moon is virtually in a vacuum. It may be a better environment to conduct certain scientific tests than on Earth. Even if something dangerous happens, the effects felt on Earth will be much smaller.

• As a waste dump

Moon is a good place to get rid of toxic/hazardous wastes without coming into contact with populations. Nuclear waste can be buried on the dark side of the moon.

• Human Colonization

Another attractive proposal would be to establish a human colony on the moon.

• Moon allows several points in space where satellites can be stationed called the "Lagrangian Points". Some of these are fairly stable and we would not have them if there wasn't a moon.

There are numerous possibilities on how to use the moon. While you can go as deep as your imagination allows, all of them may not be the most practical. It is up to the future to decide which way it’s going to be.