Moon to be considered as vantage point for advanced space research
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Scientists and researchers gathered at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru for a three-day symposium to discuss the Moon's potential as a unique platform for advanced astronomical studies.
Held from December 2 to 4, the event was jointly organised by RRI and the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Over 60 participants from academic institutions, research centres, and industries attended the symposium, focusing on how India’s upcoming lunar missions could support cutting-edge space research.
Titled "Astronomy from Moon in the Era of Indian Lunar Missions," the symposium marked the first of a series announced by the Astronomical Society of India.
Experts highlighted the Moon's distinct advantages for space studies, including the absence of Earth's atmospheric interference and radio noise. These factors create an ideal environment for conducting high-precision astronomical observations across various wavelengths.
Discussions spanned a wide range of topics, including:
- Using the Moon for space weather monitoring.
- Conducting Infrared, Ultraviolet, and X-ray observations.
- Leveraging the radio-quiet regions of the lunar surface for cosmological studies.
- Investigating cosmic rays and meteorites.
- Employing sensitive seismometers to detect deci-hertz gravitational waves.
The symposium underscored the Moon’s potential to act as a natural observatory for exploring the cosmos.
Representatives from prestigious institutions such as IISER Kolkata, IIT Kanpur, IIT Indore, and NISER Bhubaneswar, alongside researchers from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, participated in the event. The emphasis was on fostering collaboration between institutions and integrating lunar exploration with innovative astronomical experiments.
Organisers described the symposium as a stepping stone for India’s efforts to establish the Moon as a platform for transformative space research. By aligning India’s lunar exploration programs with global scientific advancements, the event set the stage for future breakthroughs in space science.