PBS Space Time Season 2017 Episode 13 Telescopes on the Moon
- April 5, 2017
PBS Space Time season 2017 episode 13 explores the concept of placing telescopes on the Moon. The episode begins by delving into the current limitations of telescopes on Earth, including the effects of atmospheric distortion, light pollution, and limitations in size and power. The host discusses how placing a telescope on the Moon would eliminate many of these problems, such as lack of atmospheric distortion and less light pollution. The host also notes that the Moon's natural resources could provide ample energy sources for a lunar telescope.
The episode then explores the challenges of actually building and placing a telescope on the Moon. The first issue is transportation - it is currently very expensive and difficult to transport anything to the Moon. The host discusses potential solutions, such as the use of reusable rockets and the possibility of using resources on the Moon to construct the telescope.
The episode also discusses the environmental challenges of placing a telescope on the Moon. The Moon's harsh environment, including extreme temperatures and the lack of an atmosphere, would require careful consideration of the telescope's material and design. The host notes that future lunar explorations and settlements could benefit from the development of a lunar telescope, as it could be used to study the Moon's surface and environment.
Finally, the episode discusses the potential scientific benefits of a lunar telescope. The Moon offers a unique vantage point for astronomical observation, as it could allow for observations of the universe from a completely different angle. In addition, a telescope on the Moon could potentially detect gravitational waves more accurately than on Earth, due to the lack of atmospheric distortion.
The host concludes by summarizing the potential benefits of a lunar telescope and stating that it is an exciting possibility for future space exploration. Overall, the episode provides an informative overview of the challenges and potential benefits of placing a telescope on the Moon.
