Astronomy from a Lunar Base

Abstract

The Moon is generally considered to be an ideal site for astronomy, offering excellent observing conditions and access to the entire electromagnetic and particle spectrum. A wide range of astronomical observations can be carried out from the Moon, but, as concluded in a recent ESA study (Mission to the Moon 1992), only a restricted number could be better implemented from a lunar site rather than from any other location. Very low frequency (VLF) astronomy, astrometry and interferometry fall into this category, as well as a transit telescope to map dark matter in the Universe. Whilst VLF and astrometric telescopes should be automatic, long baseline interferometers will probably require human intervention and will thus benefit from a manned lunar base.