For a long time, humans have thought about the potential existence of moon life, and they also thought of various creatures.
In this blog, we will provide brief answers to ideas regarding life on the moon. That was held in the 17th, 19th, and 20th centuries. By exploring these concepts, we will also gain valuable insights into scientific theories, and the discoveries by astronomers. Which will further assist us in our evolving understanding of the universe.
What are the Science Fiction Theories in Exploring Moon Life?
As telescopes and other advanced techniques for modeling the moon’s gravity and atmosphere became more powerful. Supporting the notion of the moon as an Earth-like place became increasingly challenging. Despite outlining all the reasons that make life on the moon improbable. A 1915 astronomy textbook acknowledges:
“Even with all this, still life in some weird form may exist on the Moon.”
These ideas about peculiar forms of moon life also found their way into science fiction.
One such science fiction work, is H.G. Wells’ 1901 novel “The First Men in the Moon,”. He introduced a peculiar form of life on the moon’s surface. The story revolves around Mr. Bedford, a London businessman, and Mr. Cavor. He was an inventor who created a substance called cavorite, which negates gravity.
Persuaded by Cavor, Bedford embarks on a journey to the moon using this cavorite. Upon arrival, they encounter the Selenites, insectoid moon natives dwelling within the moon. Both men get capture by the Selenites but manage to escape. Although evidence had suggested a moon landscape, people remained intrigued by the impressive stories of its life that could exist beneath the moon’s surface.
What are the 20th Century’s Perspectives on Life on Moon & Extraterrestrial Competency?
In the 20th century, the Apollo missions brought the possibility of moon travel into reality, which is helping scientists to explore potential forms of life that might exist on the moon.
- When training Apollo astronauts for encounters on the moon, Sagan, alongside other scientists.
- Science fiction author Isaac Asimov, developed a curriculum to educate them on the possibilities of lunar organic materials. Their work also contributed to shaping procedures for quarantining returning astronauts, considering the potential effects of organic material and microorganisms from the moon.
- Despite scientific advancements and the journey towards landing humans on the moon, imaginative ideas about exotic intelligent life on the moon’s surface continued to thrive in popular culture.
- Even the long-running Dick Tracy comic strip, known for its tough detective, delved into moon life and the civilizations in the 1960s.
Does Life Exist on the Moon? Let’s Find out Through the Lens of Science!
Dick Tracy’s adventure to the moon revealed an advanced civilization and introduced the character of the Moon Maid, who acted as a liaison between Earth and the moon. While such stories captivated imaginations, the focus gradually shifted back to terrestrial crime-fighting as the real-world moon landing approached. With subsequent space exploration offering a deeper understanding of actual planetary conditions, the notion of intelligent life within our solar system became less tenable.
Previously believed to be inhospitable and lacking life, the Moon is now considered a potential habitat for lifeforms. The upcoming NASA Artemis 3 moon mission, set to launch in late 2025, aims to investigate whether microorganisms, which likely hitchhiked from Earth on previous space flights, might have survived in the extremely cold and permanently shadowed craters of the moon’s south pole. Space.com‘s report suggests that this mission could provide valuable insights into the existence of such life on the Moon.
Can Moon Life Originate from Earth? A Research Made in Artemis 3 Mission:
The research conducted by Saxena and his team was presented during a workshop focused on identifying potential landing sites for the Artemis 3 mission. NASA has already pinpointed 13 candidate regions near the Moon’s south pole. Where the mission’s crew will make the first crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. Scientists speculate that organic molecules, if present on the Moon, could have been transported there through “Earth meteorites.” Additionally, there is a possibility that resilient microbes originating from Earth, capable of enduring harsh conditions, may have traveled to the Moon aboard a lander.
One intriguing aspect is the lack of strict requirements concerning forward contamination, meaning there will soon be 50 years of history with human objects on the Moon’s surface. Heather Graham, an organic geochemist at NASA Goddard, considers humans the most likely carriers of microbes, given the extensive data on our history of exploration and the potential for impacts from terrestrial sources. This exciting endeavor offers the promise of unraveling new aspects of moon life and deepening our understanding of the Moon’s potential as a habitat.
What is the Distance of the Moon from our Earth? Let’s Have Some Details Too!
The moon is, on average, about 238,860 miles (382,500 km) away from Earth. Which is roughly equivalent to 30 Earth diameters.
In terms of size, the moon’s diameter is approximately one-fourth that of Earth. And its surface area covers about 1/16th of Earth’s total surface area. As for mass, the moon weighs around 1.2% of Earth’s mass.
The point in the moon’s orbit when it is closest to Earth, we call it perigee. And during this time, the moon is approximately 224,000 miles (360,000 km) away from us.
The Concept of “Supermoon”
This occurrence is often referred to as a “Supermoon” because the moon appears about 14% larger. And approximately 30% brighter in the sky than at its furthest point, known as apogee or a “micro moon.”
How Can You Enhance Your Sky-watching Adventures to Observe the Moon?
For those interested in exploring the moon further, there are opportunities for sky-watching ventures. These include to observe its moon seas, mountainous terrain, and numerous craters. Guides are available for observing the Apollo landing sites, and equipment. It involves telescopes, binoculars, cameras, and lenses. They can enhance the experience of observing and capturing the moon’s beauty during sky-watching adventures.
