The upcoming Artemis 2 mission will provide a rare opportunity for astronauts to observe the far side of the Moon. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen will lead these observations during the mission, which aims to uncover insights about our moon and beyond.
Understanding the Far Side of the Moon
The far side of the Moon, often inaccurately called the “dark side,” is perpetually hidden from Earth due to gravitational locking. This side receives equal sunlight but boasts a more rugged, cratered terrain compared to the near side, which features flat plains known as “Maria.” Scientists are particularly interested in the far side due to its lack of artificial radio interference, making it an ideal location for radio telescopes.
- Location Insights: The far side has been observed by spacecraft, as human eyes have only seen a fraction of it since the Apollo missions.
- Craters and Terrain: The surface is vastly different, with more craters than the near side.
- Intended Observations: Hansen’s crew will leverage their unique perspective to capture details that cameras may overlook.
Upcoming Missions to the Moon’s Far Side
Among the exciting initiatives planned for the lunar far side is the Japanese TSUKUYOMI project, which will deploy the Lunar Meter Wave Telescope. This groundbreaking telescope aims to study radio signals from the “dark ages” of the universe, a period that occurred around 400,000 years after the Big Bang. This era is characterized by neutral hydrogen gas that emitted faint radio signals detectable by sensitive instruments placed on the Moon.
Potential Discoveries
Understanding these signals could shed light on the role of dark matter in shaping the universe’s evolution, including the formation of stars and galaxies. The initial TSUKUYOMI prototype is scheduled to land near the Moon’s south pole between 2027 and 2028. This will be followed by additional antenna installations throughout the 2030s.
- LuSEE Night: A robotic radio observatory from the University of Boulder Colorado, aiming for a 2023 launch.
- Farside Seismic Suite: A NASA instrument designed to monitor moonquakes, set to launch in 2027.
- Future Plans: Both NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are developing additional lunar observatories.
The Future of Lunar Exploration
While human missions focus on establishing a base and searching for water ice at the Moon’s south pole, robotic missions will operate on the far side. These robots will investigate the universe’s edge and explore its origins, marking a significant expansion in our understanding of cosmic history.
