New podcast considers space exploration’s impact on the Moon, Earth and humanity
A new podcast exploring the environmental, scientific and cultural significance of the Moon has been released by the University of Exeter’s No one’s Moon project.
The first episode brings together experts from science and the humanities at the University to discuss the growing number of activities planned for the Moon, from resource extraction and construction to tourism, and what these could mean for the lunar environment and for Earth.
Joining project founder and host Dr Suzanne Conway is Dr Arwen Nicholson, an astrobiologist and computational modeller exploring the origins of life and the history of planetary systems; Professor Martin Siegert, a polar scientist and climate expert; and Professor Jamie Hampson, a specialist in Indigenous heritage and rock art.
The discussion explores what could be lost as human activity on the Moon increases, focusing on scientific evidence preserved on the lunar surface, including clues about the early history of Earth and the Solar System, and whether future landings, mining and construction could damage sites before they can be studied.
The conversation also considers whether the Antarctic Treaty could provide a model for protecting the Moon, before turning to the importance of incorporating Indigenous perspectives and recognising the Moon’s cultural significance alongside its scientific and environmental value.
The No one’s Moon project is an interdisciplinary initiative bringing together researchers in science, humanities and the arts to consider how the Moon could be protected from potentially harmful space activities. The project aims to encourage greater public debate about the future of the Moon, including who should have a say in how it is used and how international cooperation could help protect it.
“Our aim is to stir curiosity and debate about what the Moon means to people and why it matters,” said Dr Conway. “As activity in space increases, we need to think carefully about what we want the future of the Moon to look like and who gets to be part of that conversation.”
The podcast is the first in a planned series of conversations with experts and researchers bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives. The project is also inviting members of the public to take part in discussions about the Moon’s future and its global cultural significance.
Listen to the first No one’s Moon podcast here.
