Scientists Think Humans Could Live on the Moon. One Obstacle Stands in the Way
Summary
Scientists say that while there is some water ice on the Moon to support small groups of people, there is not enough to sustain large cities over a long time. Energy supply is less of a problem because the Moon’s poles get nearly constant sunlight, which could power solar panels and industries.Key Facts
- Water ice exists in permanently shadowed craters near the Moon’s poles.
- This water ice can support a small settlement for centuries but not a city of hundreds of thousands or millions.
- The Moon’s poles receive almost constant sunlight, which is good for solar power.
- Large solar towers could generate about three gigawatts of electricity.
- Solar panels could be made on the Moon using local silicon.
- Water is essential for drinking, fuel, and industrial uses like creating rocket fuel through electrolysis (splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen).
- Water on the Moon exposed to sunlight quickly evaporates because of the vacuum environment.
- Current recycling technology, similar to what the International Space Station uses, still would not stretch the water supply long enough for a large lunar city.
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