Colonization of the Moon: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:33, 10 July 2005

Revision as of 03:22, 14 August 2005

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* The long lunar night would impede reliance on [[solar power]] (except, perhaps, at the polar regions) and require a colony to be designed that could withstand large [[temperature]] excursions. The sole exception to this restriction are the so-called "[[Peak of Eternal Light|peaks of eternal light]]" located at the lunar poles.

* The Moon lacks the light elements (volatiles) that are needed for life, though there is some evidence of [[hydrogen]] near the north and south poles. Volatiles would need to be imported, perhaps eventually from the outer planets, but from Earth initially. This would limit the colony's rate of growth and keep it dependent on Earth. However, the cost of volatiles could be reduced by constructing the upper stage of supply ships using materials high in volatiles, such as [[Graphite-reinforced_plastic|carbon fiber]] and other [[plastic]]s.

* There is continuing uncertainty over whether the low ''1/6 g'' gravity on the Moon is strong enough to prevent detrementaldetr-mental effects to human health in the long term. Exposure to [[weightlessness]] over month-long periods has been demonstrated to cause deterioration of physiological systems, such as loss of [[bone]] and [[muscle]] mass. Similar effects could occur in a low -gravity environment.

* The lack of a substantial [[atmosphere]] for insulation, which also results in temperature extremes, and makes the Moon's surface conditions somewhat like a deep space [[vacuum]].